Microbio light-Notes

Open Ended

Why is is important to not talk while working with bacterial cultures?

​Species vs. Strains

• ​E. coli is short for Escherichia coli.

• ​E. coli is a species of bacteria.

• ​Members of a bacterial species with small differences in genetics are called strains of that species.

• ​Most strains of E. coli are harmless and are necessary parts of out digestive systems.

• ​Only a few strains of E. coli can cause illness.

• ​Some people mispronounce the word "strains" as "strands." Please do not be one of them

• Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria.

• But the cold and flu are caused by viruses.