BIFIDOBACTERIUM

     -Basic info

       -Aid in digestion

       -anaerobic, dies in the presence of oxygen

       -gram-positive

          -appears blue or purple under a microscope after tested with a gram stain

          -the cell wasll is very thick

       -makes up the gut flora, which is the bacteria in the colon

       -prevents certain forms of tumor growth

       -often used as a probiotic

          -probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in yogurt and such

       -Shapes

          -curved rods

          -club shaped rods

          -Y shaped rods

       -B. longum

          -most of the bifido found

c acid

    -Story from CNN

       -Foods which help:

          -Unpasteruized yogurt

          -Most cottage cheese

          -Sour cream

          -Foods marked with "Live Active Cultures," such as certain milks and cereals

        -Things it helps:

            -Allergies

            -Cholesterol

            -Constipation   

            -colon cancer

            -high blood pressure

            -immune system

            -regulates blood pressure