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Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination?
- a)Escherichia coli
- b)Streptococcus lactis
- c)Bacillus Subtilis
- d)Lactobacillus acidophilus
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamin...
Escherichia coli also known as E. coli) is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms (endotherms). Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some serotypes can cause serious food poisoning in their hosts, and are occasionally responsible for product recalls due to food contamination.The harmless strains are part of the normal microbiota of the gut, and can benefit their hosts by producing vitamin K2,and preventing colonization of the intestine with pathogenic bacteria, having a symbiotic relationship.E. coli is expelled into the environment within fecal matter. The bacterium grows massively in fresh fecal matter under aerobic conditions for 3 days, but its numbers decline slowly afterwards.
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Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamin...
Indicator of Fecal Contamination: Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is a well-known indicator organism used to assess fecal contamination in water and food.
Why is E. coli used as an indicator of fecal contamination?
E. coli is used as an indicator of fecal contamination due to the following reasons:
1. Abundance: E. coli is present in large numbers in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Therefore, its presence in water or food indicates the potential presence of fecal material.
2. Specificity: E. coli is predominantly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Its presence in water or food suggests that the contamination is of fecal origin and may contain pathogens associated with feces.
3. Survival: E. coli has the ability to survive outside the host for a certain period of time, making it a suitable indicator organism for assessing fecal contamination.
4. Ease of detection: E. coli can be easily detected and identified through various laboratory techniques, such as culture-based methods and molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Other organisms mentioned and their characteristics:
- Streptococcus lactis: Streptococcus lactis is a species of lactic acid bacteria commonly used in the production of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. It is not specifically associated with fecal contamination.
- Bacillus subtilis: Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming bacterium commonly found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of animals. It is not a reliable indicator of fecal contamination.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium that is commonly found in the human intestines and is used in the production of fermented foods like yogurt. It is not an indicator of fecal contamination.
Conclusion:
Among the given options, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most suitable indicator organism for assessing fecal contamination. Its abundance, specificity, survival capabilities, and ease of detection make it a reliable indicator for the potential presence of fecal material in water and food.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is a well-known indicator organism used to assess fecal contamination in water and food.
Why is E. coli used as an indicator of fecal contamination?
E. coli is used as an indicator of fecal contamination due to the following reasons:
1. Abundance: E. coli is present in large numbers in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Therefore, its presence in water or food indicates the potential presence of fecal material.
2. Specificity: E. coli is predominantly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Its presence in water or food suggests that the contamination is of fecal origin and may contain pathogens associated with feces.
3. Survival: E. coli has the ability to survive outside the host for a certain period of time, making it a suitable indicator organism for assessing fecal contamination.
4. Ease of detection: E. coli can be easily detected and identified through various laboratory techniques, such as culture-based methods and molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Other organisms mentioned and their characteristics:
- Streptococcus lactis: Streptococcus lactis is a species of lactic acid bacteria commonly used in the production of dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. It is not specifically associated with fecal contamination.
- Bacillus subtilis: Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming bacterium commonly found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of animals. It is not a reliable indicator of fecal contamination.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium that is commonly found in the human intestines and is used in the production of fermented foods like yogurt. It is not an indicator of fecal contamination.
Conclusion:
Among the given options, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most suitable indicator organism for assessing fecal contamination. Its abundance, specificity, survival capabilities, and ease of detection make it a reliable indicator for the potential presence of fecal material in water and food.
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Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for GATE 2024 is part of GATE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GATE exam syllabus. Information about Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GATE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for GATE 2024 is part of GATE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GATE exam syllabus. Information about Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GATE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which one of the following organisms is an indicator of fecal contamination? a)Escherichia coli b)Streptococcus lactis c)Bacillus Subtilis d)Lactobacillus acidophilusCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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