Entamoeba coli
Entamoeba coli
Entamoeba coli (pronounced: en-ta-mee-ba ko-ly) is a non-pathogenic species of Amoeba that is commonly found in the human gut. It is not to be confused with Escherichia coli, a bacterium that can cause disease.
Etymology
The name Entamoeba coli is derived from the Greek words "entos" (meaning within), "amoibe" (meaning change), and "coli" (referring to the colon). This name reflects the organism's habitat in the human colon and its amoeboid characteristics.
Description
Entamoeba coli is a single-celled microorganism that moves by changing its body shape, a characteristic of amoebas. It feeds on bacteria and cellular debris in the gut. Unlike some other species of Entamoeba, such as Entamoeba histolytica, E. coli is not known to cause disease in humans.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Entamoeba coli involves two stages: the trophozoite stage, where the amoeba feeds and grows, and the cyst stage, where it is resistant to harsh environmental conditions. The cysts are passed in the feces and can survive outside the body, infecting other individuals if ingested.
Related Terms
- Amoeba: A type of single-celled organism that moves by changing its body shape.
- Gut flora: The community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals.
- Entamoeba histolytica: A species of Entamoeba that can cause disease in humans.
- Parasitology: The study of parasites and their interactions with their hosts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Entamoeba coli
- Wikipedia's article - Entamoeba coli
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