This illustration depicts a rod-shaped bacterium, commonly representing Escherichia coli (E. coli), a gram-negative, motile microorganism characterized by its flagellum extending from one end. The bacterium is essential in cell biology, microbiology, and studies related to pathogens and pathogenicity. It belongs to the proteobacteria group and is known for its distinct flagellar motility, with multiple flagella distributed around its body.