| Description | Escherichia coli B str. REL606 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives at mesophilic temperatures, is classified as a chemoheterotroph, and is a facultative anaerobe. This bacterium is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family and is typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded organisms, including humans. E. coli REL606 can adapt to various environments, existing in the intestines, urinary tract, and other body sites across multiple host species. Its ability to ferment sugars in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions allows it significant metabolic versatility. E. coli REL606 is noteworthy for its role in biotechnology and microbiological research. It serves as a model organism in the study of microbial genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry due to its relatively simple genome and rapid growth rate. The strain REL606 was specifically developed for enhanced laboratory use, featuring a more efficient metabolism, making it a common choice for recombinant DNA technology. This bacterium is also significant in food safety and public health, as certain pathogenic strains can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. However, the REL606 strain lacks these virulence properties, making it safer for laboratory handling. Researchers have been using E. coli REL606 in synthetic biology to engineer metabolic pathways, allowing for the production of valuable compounds such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals. Its inherent capacity for genetic modifications has elevated this strain as a cornerstone in genetic engineering and synthetic biology, demonstrating how a simple microbe can impact various fields, from healthcare to environmental sustainability. |
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