Biochemical Test Paper

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Pages: 12

Identification of Unknown #2 through biochemical testing
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to identify the Gram-negative Unknown #2 as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Salmonella typhimurium. Using the unknown given, a T-streak was done and incubated in a hot room at 37°C for 24 hours to isolate colonies. After inoculation, a Gram stain was done on the culture to confirm the unknown was Gram-negative. Seven other biochemical tests were then administered to determine the unknown: Triple-Sugar Iron Agar (TSIA), Sulfur Indole Motility (SIM), Methyl Red (MR), Voges Proskauer (VP), Citrate, Urease, and Gelatinase. All tests were done using aseptic technique. Depending on the test, each was incubated in a hot room at 37°C for one to eight days. Each test had a specific characteristic or morphology that helped determine the unknown. The TSIA test resulted in A/A, -G. The SIM test was negative for both sulfur reduction and indole production and positive for motility. The MR and citrate tests had positive results, and the VP, urease, and gelatinase tests were negative.
The Gram-negative unknown #2 was identified to be Enterobacter aerogenes, a rod shaped bacterium that is found in the
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Bacteria are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and exhibit a variety of shapes and sizes. This is known as morphology. Each bacterium plays a specific role that can be either beneficial or harmful to the environment. They are involved in processes such as fermentation, infectious disease, and nitrogen fixation. Although there are many known bacteria, not all can be cultured. Before identifying an organism, a culture must be done to isolate the species. A pure culture helps classify an organism because it contains only one single species. Further biochemical testing can then be done using the isolated colonies that grow on the agar