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Biochemical Test

Biochemical tests are the tests that are performed on different bacteria for their identification on the basis of their biochemical activities towards different biochemical compounds.

  • Biochemical tests are one of the traditional methods for the identification of microorganisms, usually performed with phenotypic identification.
  • For many years these methods were employed extensively, and they continue to be used nowadays, especially in some laboratory routines where a particular type of microorganism has to be identified rapidly.
  • The ability of microorganisms to utilize certain biomolecules, resulting in useful organic compounds for themselves forms the basis of various biochemical tests.
  • Biochemical tests are of different types, where the identification or distinction between different microorganisms is made on various bases.
  • One of the traditional methods commonly used is a simple visual detection of the growth of the organism in the presence of essential nutrients by increased turbidity in the liquid medium.
  • In other tests, however, the results are based on the change in color of the medium as a result of the change in the pH of the medium.
  • Microorganisms can be classified into different groups on the basis of their reaction to such tests. Some tests even allow the distinction of microorganisms to the species level.
  • Biochemical tests are thus, essential as they are inexpensive and relatively simple to perform.
  • The physiology of bacteria and other microorganisms differs from one another, which allows for the differentiation of such microorganisms.
  • Biochemical tests, however, have some disadvantages. Despite being inexpensive and allowing both quantitative and qualitative information about the diversity of microorganisms present in a sample, these methods are laborious and time-consuming, and results are only observed after several days.
  • In some cases, false positives are obtained, especially when considering similar microbial species.

KOH Test- Principle, Media, Procedure, Results, Uses

October 26, 2024April 12, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test

KOH test, also known as KOH mount or KOH preparation, is a rapid test used to visualize the fungal structures in clinical samples using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a clearing … Read more

KIA Test- Principle, Media, Procedure, Results, Uses

April 11, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Kliglerโ€™s Iron Agar (KIA) Test

Different bacteria have different enzyme systems and different biochemical activities to derive metabolic energy. Based on the enzyme system and biochemical characteristics, the end product of metabolism of the same … Read more

Pyruvateย Broth Test- Principle, Procedure, Results, Uses

June 5, 2023April 5, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Pyruvateย Broth Test

Pyruvateย Broth Test is the biochemical test used to assess the ability of bacteria to utilize pyruvate and produce metabolic acid. Two pyruvates are produced as end products during glycolysis (aerobic … Read more

Phenylalanine Deaminase Test- Principle, Procedure, Results

March 31, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Phenylalanine Deaminase Test

Phenylalanine Deaminase Test (PDA) is the biochemical test used to determine the ability of bacteria to synthesize the phenylalanine deaminase enzyme. Bacteria capable of producing phenylalanine deaminase enzyme can deaminate … Read more

Oxidase Test- Principle, Procedure, Types, Results, Uses

April 4, 2023March 31, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Oxidase Test

The oxidase test is a biochemical testing module used to assay the ability of bacteria to synthesize cytochrome c oxidase enzymes. This test was first introduced by Gordon and McLeod … Read more

Optochin Susceptibility Test- Principle, Procedure, Results

March 31, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Optochin Susceptibility Test

Optochin, also called ethylhydrocupreine hydrochloride, is a derivative of quinine, an antimalarial agent. It was introduced by Morgenroth and Levy in 1911 as an antibiotic for treating pneumococci infection (infection … Read more

ONPG Test- Principle,ย Procedure,ย Results, Uses

March 31, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
ONPG Test

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar molecule formed by the combination of glucose and galactose. It is mainly present in milk and milk products. Some bacteria can ferment lactose into glucose … Read more

OF Test- Oxidation/Oxidative-Fermentation/Fermentative Test

March 6, 2023February 19, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
OF Test

OF test is the test to differentiate bacteria into two groups, oxidative bacteria and fermentative bacteria to biochemically characterize and identify them. Carbohydrates, simply called sugars, are the polyhydroxy aldehydes … Read more

Novobiocin Susceptibility Test- Principle, Procedure, Results

March 6, 2023February 11, 2023 by Prashant Dahal
Novobiocin Susceptibility Test

Novobiocin is a member of the aminocoumarin antibiotic class produced by Streptomyces niveus Actinobacteria which inhibit the bacterial DNA synthesis process. Novobiocin binds with the GyrB subunit of the DNA … Read more

Biochemical Test of Escherichia coli (E. coli)

September 25, 2022August 28, 2022 by Sagar Aryal, PhD
Biochemical Test of Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Biochemical Test of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Basic Characteristics Properties (E. coli) Capsule Capsulated Catalase Positive (+ve) Citrate Negative (-ve) Coagulase Negative (-ve) Flagella Flagellated Gas Positive (+ve) Gelatin Hydrolysis … Read more

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