Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

what are the Similarities Between E-coli K-12 & Propionibacterium? I'm doing mine on acne and I was wondering if e-coli could be used as an alternative to Propionibacterium? please help me!


thank you

Hi Mira1212,

This is a great experiment!E-coli can be used as an alternative to Propionibacterium, and is generally safer and more efficient (quicker growth). E-coli K12 and Propionibacterium are both anaerobic bacteria that live on humans, however E-coli is in the Proteobacteria phylum, and Propionibacterium is in the Actinobacteria phylum. Also, Propionibacterium is Gram-positive, while Actinobacteria is gram negative. Generally, propionibacterium is found in the intestinal tract whereas Actinobacterium is found on skin, For more information, you might want to check out this topic, which revolves around the same experiment you are doing: viewtopic.php?t=8754

Hope this helps!
Catherine M