Structure (shape, cell wall, internal structures; flagella present? Spore forming/ endospores)-

·       Single- celled prokaryotic microorganisms that are structurally small and simple

·         Lacking a distinct nucleus

·         rod shaped

·         in small chains

·          0.5 to 0.8 micrometre (mm; 1 mm =            10^-6 metre) across by 2 to 9 mm long.

·         Non-spore-forming

·         The cell-wall structure and response to the Gram stain, is how most bacteria are divided up into gram + and gram –

·         Capsule, cell wall, Cytoplasmic membrane, ribosomes, pili, flagella, nucleoid, and cytoplasm

Habitat (where would you find this bacterium)-

·         Animal and human intestinal tracts

·          soil, water, and plants

·          Many species are prominent in decaying plant material

·          Found in the human gastrointestinal tract

·         Silage

·         Manure

·         Milk and milk products

·         Lactobacillus bacteria reproduce very rapidly, doubling their population every 20 minutes,  at the temperature of approximately 32*C (90* F)  

History (When discovered, interesting historical info. dealing w/ bacteria) -

·         With the development of microbiological and nutritional sciences in the late 19^th century, the technology that was needed in order to produce cultured dairy products was created

·         Fermented milks had been made since early times, when raw milk from animals was naturally preserved by common strains of Lactobacillus bacteria

·         These common strains made it possible to preserve fresh milk for several days without refrigeration

·         Finally cultured products eventually became ethnic favorites and were introduced around the world as people migrated

·         The conversion of lactose (milk sugar) to lactic acid, which is called the fermentation process, is the most important part of the production of cultured milk

·         widely used in the fermentation process in many industries

·         They are very important because they are responsible for much of the decay of organic matter

·         Usual method of reproduction in bacteria is binary fission

Beneficial Properties (how is this bacteria helpful to animals, plants, etc.) –

·         Excellent sources of calcium and protein

·         Restores normal intestinal flora after the imbalance created by antibiotic treatment

·         Reduce lactose intolerance

·         possible health benefits in easing yeast infections and restoring normal bacterial balance to the intestinal tract of humans after antibiotic treatment

·         Helping digestion and take away disease-causing bacteria

·         It helps prevent and treat diarrhea

·         Treat bad organisms that have overgrown in the gastrointestinal tract

·         By eating yogurt/milk that contains Lactobacillus may enhance the immune system response

·         Lower the risks of allergies

·         We get to enjoy milk, cheese, and yogurt

Problems with Loss of Bacteria -

The problem with the loss of Lactobacillus Acidophilus is one of many. Without this bacteria, there would

·         The loss of A. acidophilus would not benefit humans in ways such as promoting lactose intolerance

·         Bacteriophages (viruses that attack and destroy bacteria) could be part of the reason for the loss of L. acidophilus  

Dietary Sources-                                 

·         Milk enriched w/ acidophilus, yogurt conating live L. acidophilus cultures, miso, and tempeh.

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