Online Microbiology and Biology Study Notes
What is Streptococcus mutans? Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive coccus that is a major inhabitant of the oral cavity and is considered a significant contributor of tooth decay and cavities. Streptococci are spherical or ovoid cells, arranged in chains or pairs where many species are members of the commensal microflora on mucosal membranes of humans or animals, and some are …
Biochemical reactions are very important in the identification of bacterial isolates and in the identification of different bacterial species. These tests depend on the presence of certain enzymes, such as catalase, oxidase, urease, gelatinase, etc., produced by the bacteria. Different bacteria produce varying spectra of enzymes. For example, some enzymes are necessary for the bacterium’s individual metabolism, and some facilitate …
Biochemical Test of Streptococcus mutans Basic Characteristics Properties (Streptococcus mutans) Capsule Capsulated Catalase Negative (-ve) Gram Staining Positive (+ve) Hemolysis Alfa Hemolysis Motility Non-motile OF (Oxidative-Fermentative) Facultative anaerobes Oxidase Negative (-ve) Shape Cocci Spore Non-sporing Urease Negative (-ve) VP (Voges Proskauer) Positive (+ve) Fermentation of Adonitol Negative (-ve) Arabinose Negative (-ve) Arbutin Positive (+ve) Cellobiose Positive (+ve) Dulcitol Negative (-ve) …