E coli bacteria. Picture taken from a public domain

Adaptations

One major and arguably the most important adaptation is the ability to survive in acidic places. This is especially important with E. coli because of where it is.  In order to live in the gut of organisms it must be able to withstand high acidity levels because of the high acidity levels of the contents of the stomach. It has also helped the bacteria be able to infect more organisms. It is now able to be on more foods that humans eat because it can withstand the high acidity of certain fruits and meats. For example E. coli O157:H7 can now taint things like apple cider, which is made with many acids.  

                                   

Meat that can be tainted. photo taken from public domain. Taken by Jon Sullivan.                         Fresh fruit that can be contaminated. Photo taken from public domain. Taken by Malakwal City.

 Escherichia coli O157:H7 moves around by rotating the flagella. It moves into animals by being eaten. It is often consumed by tainted undercooked meat or unwashed fruits vegetables. They then begin to form colonies in the GI tract of the host.

                                             E coli with a flagella. Picture taken from public domain. Taken by E. H. White.

Continue learning about E. coli and click here to go to the nutrition page.

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