Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of coliform bacteria?

Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria commonly used as indicators of water quality and the potential presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Understanding their characteristics is important for water testing and safety.

One key characteristic is that coliform bacteria are generally non-spore forming. This means they do not produce spores as a means of survival, which is a typical trait of some other bacteria, especially those that thrive in harsh environments. Additionally, coliforms are classified as Gram-negative, which is determined by their cell wall structure and how they respond to Gram staining techniques. This classification is important for identifying the bacteria and understanding their pathogenic potential.

Coliform bacteria can be either aerobic, which means they require oxygen for growth, or facultative anaerobic, meaning they can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. This flexibility allows them to thrive in various environments, including soils and water systems.

In contrast, prolific nitrate reducing capability is not a characteristic associated with coliform bacteria. While some bacteria can reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas or other products, this is more characteristic of certain other groups of bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle. Coliforms do not typically possess this trait, which is why the answer highlights that prolific nitrate reducers are not part of what defines coliform bacteria.