Physiological Characteristics: Oxidative/Fermentative

This set of flashcards covers key concepts associated with the physiological characteristics of bacteria, specifically oxidative and fermentative reactions, along with relevant biochemical tests.

Oxidative Reaction

A metabolic process in which substrates are broken down to produce energy, using oxygen.

Fermentative Reaction

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

Phenol Red Sugar Broth

A differential media used to detect sugar fermentation, indicated by a color change to yellow.

Methyl Red Test

A test assessing mixed acid fermentation by observing a red color change.

Voges-Proskauer Test

A test that detects butanediol fermentation and results in a red color change with aeration.

Nitrate Reduction Test

A test that determines if bacteria can reduce nitrate to nitrite, indicated by a red color.

IMViC

A series of tests (Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate Utilization) used to differentiate enterobacteriaceae.

Escherichia coli

A common bacterium used as a control organism in various physiological tests.

Enterobacter aerogenes

A gram-negative bacterium often used as a control organism in fermentation tests.

Control Microorganism

A standard organism used to compare results in experimental tests.