IS IT SAFE TO EAT? PART V BACTERIA FAECAL AND CONTAMINANTS
BACTERIA
Bacteria is everywhere – on us, inside us and all around us. So what is it? Bacteria is made up of tiny, one-celled organisms that are found almost everywhere on our planet. There are thousands and thousands of different species. Most are harmless but there are some really nasty ones that can cause severe conditions and sometimes death. These dangerous bacteria are responsible for much of the world’s suffering (for man and animals) by disease.
A typical bacterial organism is made up of four parts:
1. The fimbriae are like tiny hairs on the outside of the bacterial wall – these help it to stick to surfaces.
2. An internal cell structure that is kept intact by the bacterial wall.
3. A flagellum – a long whip-like appendage that propels the cell through its surroundings to avoid white blood cells. Some bacteria like the one that causes salmonella have several flagella and can rapidly pass through layers of moist toilet paper.
