*Escherichia coli* **as a Model Organism and Its Application in Biotechnology**

Vargas-Maya Naurú Idalia and Franco Bernardo

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67306

### **Abstract**

Without a doubt, in the past 20 or so years, we have achieved the power of biology in different ways. In the present, we have many tools for developing novel technologies and applications for organism modifications that ultimately let us know many aspects of organisms' biology and, therefore, apply that knowledge for technological purposes. Of all the model organisms and tools for genetic modification available, *Escherichia coli* stands out as a model organism and what we would like to call "molecular biologist tool box." In the present chapter, we aim to review our current knowledge regarding genetic modifications and tools for modifying *E. coli* to generate plasmid vectors, single and multiple gene knockouts, whole genome editing, biosensor generation and applications and synthetic gene circuits and genomes.

**Keywords:** molecular biology tools, synthetic biology, biosensors, plasmids, bioengineerging
