I Am Escherichia Coli

This poem is about a microorganism - a normally harmless bacterium that resides in the intestinal tract of all human beings. It is called Escherichia coli. For a number of reasons, it is widely used in research, especially in genetic engineering. The poem attempts to portray some of the traits of this bacterium. It can best be appreciated by microbiologists and biochemists. That I am a normal bacterium in your intestinal tract Is a well-known and proven fact. Under the microscope, you’ll find me Gram negative And so to penicillin I’m not sensitive. Being an intestinal resident To bile salts I’m naturally resistant. In the lab you can grow me On MacConkey’s Agar easily. Given optimum conditions and proper nutrients I can multiply roughly every twenty minutes. I produce a lot of colicin However, I’m sensitive to streptomycin. For you, I synthesize B-complex vitamins and Vitamin K You’ve got to thank me for keeping all other dangerous cousins at bay. Though I’m your friend most of the time I can become opportunistic at other times. Though I’m generally loving and giving Watch out! I could also give you food poisoning. From me you get a special enzyme That helps you cut DNA from time to time. Sometimes when you are overcome with greed And to satisfy your selfish need You make me a recombinant bug So that you can get a therapeutic drug. Sometimes I harbor plasmids aplenty So in gene amplification I come in handy. I’m an instant hit with genetic engineers But I’m an ominous threat to sanitary engineers! On my own I do not enter a lake or pond You humans dump me in and around. If ever you find me in potable water Be warned not to drink that thereafter. For in that water you may find some of my distant cousins Who could be waiting to give you their toxins. But if you eat and drink carefully About my buddies you need not worry. You treat me well and I’ll cherish you and always care You mess with me, and I’ll be part of biological warfare. Don’t meddle with my genes every day Else I’ll become an invisible terrorist some day! Geeta Ashok