Gram -ive
Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative straight rod, which either uses peritrichous flagella for mobility or is nonmotile. E coli is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals such as humans. The K12 strain has been modified so it can no longer survive in the human gut making it safe to work with.
Ideal for practical investigations into antibiotic efficacy.
E.coli K12 (NCTC 10538) is Lactose positive (Lac+), i.e. produces beta-galactosidease in the presence of lactase.
All Darwin's bacteria are derived from strains held by the British National Culture Collection (NCTC). These cultures are then sub-cultured before being applied to slopes and sold into schools and colleges across the UK. By sub-culturing we are able to supply quality bacteria at affordable prices. Our bacteria is a maximum of 4 passages away from the Culture Collection’s original. If you require fewer passages, or are purchasing for non-educational purposes, please purchase directly from the NCTC. For full strain information or to purchase directly please click here.
Made by Darwin Biological in the UK under licence from Public Health England. NCTC is the trade mark of PHE.
Culture is supplied on a nutrient agar slope in a glass screw top universal bottle. Store in a fridge (2-8°C). Culture around 25°C.
Click here for a downloadable information sheet.
Please note: All bacteria are sold at customer's own risk. No responsibility will be taken for any accidents resulting from misuse. Cultures are non-returnable. For UK educational purposes only. Not for human consumption.