Biochemical testing sounds like a strange ordeal, but actually, it’s helpful. Biochemical tests are the tests used to identify bacteria.
A biochemical test can help test for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Gram-negative vs gram-positive bacteria
Being able to identify the type of bacteria is crucial for the host because then only. There are two defining visual factors in differentiating between Gram-positive.
- The thickness of the peptidoglycan layer and the presence of the outer lipid membrane.
- The visual effect that the difference in how both of the walls of the bacteria are is very. This happens due to the wall’s structure losing its Crystal violet stain.
These biochemical pathology tests are done on your blood and depend on the presence.
- catalase,
- oxidase,
- urease,
- gelatinase, etc.
Some of the common biochemical tests
All beings contain some characteristics about them, which is different, and this case is also true in the case of bacteria. Bacteria have a set of unique bacterial enzymes which then, later on, react to certain chemicals and then thus are tested positive or negative for the same. Based on the reaction of a biochemical test, one can know which bacteria and what kind of bacteria they have to figure out how to defeat it and if it’s treatable or not. Doctors base their treatment and diagnosis on this test because it is that much more accurate.
Tests that measure these bacterial enzymes are easy to study, and perform and are very reliable. They can be performed on bacteria that have been cultured for easy observation. Besides, these enzymes that bacteria have can let you know what all tests should be taken.
So here are some basic biochemical tests that are done on Intracellular and Extracellular enzymes:
Intracellular Enzymes
As the name suggests, intracellular enzymes work. These are responsible for the growth and development of new cell membranes in bacteria. These also allow very simple substances as well as generate energy that helps in the use of these substances that help in growing. A couple of the tests based on these enzymes include:
- Catalase Test
These aerobic enzymes do detoxification of Hydrogen peroxide. Oxidase Test can easily detect the presence of this if there are oxygen bubbles present.
The test uses filter paper applied with an oxidase mix; the timely color change of this filter paper indicates a positive result.
- Indole Test
This kind of bacteria does the formation of indole, ammonia, and pyruvic acid from tryptophan. A color change during the test determines the success of the test.
Extracellular Enzymes
These enzymes are secreted outside the cellular wall, opposite to what Intracellular enzymes stand for.
These help in breaking down Macromolecules. These can spread throughout the cell membrane. Some extracellular enzyme tests include:
- Coagulase test
Coagulase converts fibrinogen to fibrin, produced by the bacteria, which means it can turn plasma into a semi-solid state.
In the test duration, the coagulate plasma and coagulate remain undispersed; then, it would show positive test results.
- DNase test
DNase or deoxyribonuclease is found in a lot of bacteria and is capable of hydrolyzing the DNA. Thus, an agar plate containing DNA can tell whether DNase is present.
Some other tests that study extracellular enzymes include the
- gelatinase test,
- starch hydrolysis test,
- and lipid hydrolysis test.
Hope you understand the importance of Biochemical tests and how easy they make. Getting a regular full body health check-up can help you be on top of your health biochemical.
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