What type of organism is Escherichia coli?

Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as E. coli, is classified as a bacterium. This organism is a single-celled prokaryote, meaning it does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles that are characteristic of eukaryotic cells, which include organisms such as fungi and protozoa.

E. coli is part of the normal flora of the human intestinal tract and plays a crucial role in digestion and producing certain vitamins. However, specific strains of E. coli can cause foodborne illness and other infections. Understanding E. coli's classification as a bacterium is essential for microbiology, as it highlights the organism's cellular structure, metabolism, and the relevance of antibiotics in treating infections associated with pathogenic strains.