Kingdom-Monera (only kingdom of prokaryotic organisms)

Division-Firmicutes (produce endospores; are found in various environments; all Gram-positive)

Class-Bacilli

Order-Lactobacillales (found in soil, water, plants, and animals; also widely used in the fermentation process)

Family-Lactobacillaceae (family of lactic-acid bacteria, produce lactase)

Genus-Lactobacillus (many species are prominent in decaying plant material; found in the human gastrointestinal tract)

Species-Acidophilus

·         Facultative anaerobic-can live with or without oxygen

Gram Stain (+ or -)

·         Positive

·         Gram positive or negative is the permeability of the cell wall to different stain techniques

·         Gram positive bacteria cells retain the purple iodine-dye, while Gram negative do not, and become their natural colour again

Nutritional Requirements

·         Likes more acidic environments (pH of 4.5 and lower)

·         Can be killed by excess heat, moisture, or direct sunlight

·         When taken in supplements, they will replace the other bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that is killed by antibiotics

·         One of their biproducts is lactase, an enzyme that breaks down milk sugars into simpler sugars

Reproduction

·         Asexual reproduction-requires only one parent

·         Primary form of reproduction for all bacteria

·         Can grow the colonies faster, because each generation increases two fold

·         Binary fission-one cell divides into two equal sized cells; common in most prokaryotes

Recent Scientific Research

·         Replacing the “friendly” intestinal bacteria destroyed by antibiotics

·         Aiding digestion

·         Treating diarrhea

·         Improving lactose absorption digestion in people who are lactose intolerant

·         Enhancing the immune system (further research needed)

·         Aiding treatment of respitory infections (more research needed)

·         Helping treat high cholesterol (more research needed)

Interesting Facts

·         Lactobacillus acidophilus is used in fermentation of dairy products

·         It also produces lactase, which helps break down milk sugar (lactose) into simpler sugars

·         L. acidophilus is the most commonly used probiotic, or helpful bacteria

·         Probiotic bacteria favourably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase overall resistance to infection.