What do the O and H in E.Coli O157 H7 stand for. i.e. What's the nomenclature convention for bacteria?
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 1
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The O number designates the type of antigen on the bacterial membrane surface. The H number designates the type of antigen on the flagellum. The bacterial membrane is what holds the bacteria together and in a very loose sense can be considered the bag that keeps it all together. All cells have membranes, though they can vary greatly in structure and composition. An antigen is a protein that is present on the membrane surface that allows other cells to recognise it - it is the basis of how your immune system can recognise cells that are non-self i.e. are bacterial infections etc. The flagellum is a component of some bacteria that acts like a tail and can be used to move aruund to areas of high nutrition or away from areas of harm. Not all bacteria have these. So in summary E. Coli O157:H7 refers to a strain (or specific sub-type) of Escherichia bacteria that has certain proteins specific to that strain. Note most strains of E.Coli are commensual (i.e. live in your gut) and actualy help to protect you from infection by fighting off harmful bacteria. Unfortunately this strain produces harmful toxins.
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