Structure And Function Of A Ecoli Bacteria
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E. coli is a rod-shaped bacterium. The peptidoglycan cell wall is thin and multilayered. There is a thin peptidoglycan layer placed between the inner cytoplasmic membrane, and the outer membrane.
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The outer membrane is surrounded by the capsule layer which is composed of polysaccharides. The flagellum of E. coli consists of three distinct parts -- the filament, the hook and the basal body -- all of which are made up of different types of proteins.
The cytoplasmic membrane houses the fluid known as cytoplasm, which contains the genetic material of the E. coli. It primarily contains proteins, RNA, DNA, phospholipids, lipopolysaccharides, murein, glycogen, certain inorganic ions, vitamins, metabolites, etc. The Cytoplasm also contains carbon and energy reserves in the form of glycogen granules.
E. coli or Escherichia coli are a type of gram-negative bacteria that is normally found living inside the lower intestine of human beings as well as animals. There are several different strains of E. coli bacteria, most of which are practically harmless. Although they form a very minor component of the intestinal flora, the E. coli bacteria aid in the digestion and break down of the ingested food. What these bacteria do is that they produce loads of vitamin K (which aids in blood clotting), amino acids and other growth factors which are immediately absorbed and used by the body. The E. coli bacteria that colonize in the lower intestine by adhering to the intestinal lumen also check the establishment and growth of pathogenic bacteria within the intestine.
However, some strains of E. coli are also capable of causing deadly health problems such as severe stomach upsets characterized by cramps and belly pain, vomiting and severe diarrhea (sometimes even with blood in the stools).
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