E ColiWhat is E Coli?E Coli is a pathogenic bacteria that can be found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. It can help break down food in the intestine and allow the absorption of vitamin K. Its full name is Escherichia Coli, and although many strains are harmless, some can cause food poisoning in humans by producing harmful chemicals. Structure of E Coli E Coli is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium that has a cell membrane and a cell wall protecting its DNA. On the outside of each E Coli cell are small tails called flagella. E Coli breathes anaerobically, meaning it does not need oxygen to breathe (breathe). It feeds on undigested nutrients in the intestines of mammals, including humans and ruminants such as cows, sheep and goats. How E. Coli MovesE Coli uses small "tails" called flagella to move, and they rotate counterclockwise, causing them to move randomly. They move more when they are near food, and they tumble and swim through the body. They excrete toxic enzymes that help break down food molecules from the cell wall so they can enter ...