Lab #8 - Fermentation, Oxidase, Catalase, and Nitrate Tests

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to fermentation, oxidase, catalase, and nitrate tests, aiding in understanding of microbiological respiration and metabolic pathways.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Oxidase Test

A test to determine if a microorganism produces cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme important for the electron transport chain.

Catalase Test

A test that detects the presence of the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Nitrate Reduction Test

A test to determine if a microorganism can reduce nitrate to nitrite or further to nitrogen compounds.

Phenol Red

A pH indicator used in fermentation tests that turns yellow in acidic conditions.

Durham Tube

An inverted tube used in fermentation tests to capture gas produced during fermentation.

Obligate Aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen for survival and produce cytochrome c oxidase.

Facultative Anaerobes

Microorganisms that can survive with or without oxygen and use different oxidases.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a biochemical reaction.

Hydrogen Peroxide

A reactive oxygen species that can be harmful to cells, broken down by the enzyme catalase.

Nitrate Reductase

An enzyme that reduces nitrate to nitrite, enabling anaerobic respiration.

Incubator

An apparatus used to maintain optimal conditions for microbial growth.

Carbohydrate Broth

A growth medium that contains carbohydrates for testing fermentation capabilities of microorganisms.

Inoculate

To introduce a microorganism into a medium for growth or testing.

Positive Result

A result indicating the presence or production of a specific biochemical or cellular feature.

Negative Result

A result indicating the absence of the expected biochemical or cellular feature.

Gas Production

The generation of gas during fermentation, captured in the Durham tube, indicating a positive test.

Color Change

A visual indication of a biochemical reaction, often used to interpret test results.