Microcosm: E. coli and the New Science of Life

Main Ideas

• The evolution and adaptation of bacteria like Escherichia coli as a key to understanding life at the molecular level.
• The role of E. coli in scientific research and as a model organism for studying genetics and biochemistry.
• The impact of bacteria on human health and their role in ecosystems.
• The use of E. coli in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
• Evolutionary mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer and their significance for microbiology.
• The history of the discovery and study of E. coli, as well as the contributions of various scientists to this field.
• Ethical and philosophical questions related to manipulating microorganisms and their genetic material.