Biochemical Characteristics Of Bacteria

The objective of the process was to identify an unknown bacterial species using different staining and biochemical methods and test to figure out characteristics about the species to ultimately classify it. During the process it was also an objective to become familiar with biochemical methods and the study of biochemistry to further understand microbiology. Bacteria are categorized in different ways and in order to identify the unknown these characteristics need to be taken into consideration. The different ways to categorize bacterial species include the morphology or shape which can be determined by staining, the 16s DNA, fatty acid analysis can be done on the bacteria, and there are also different tests that can be done using biochemistry. These biochemical tests include the test for carbohydrates and triple sugar, a test that indicates the presence of starch which then can be used to indicate whether or not there is an enzyme breaking down the starch. Then there is a biochemical test done to indicate …show more content…
Being able to identify an unknown bacteria is important because it can help know exactly what bacteria is present because it is impossible to just see them. Bacteria have a huge impact on human life and being able to identify them has greatly helped the medical and pharmaceutical fields fight human pathogens and save lives. Many pharmaceutical drugs can be made by using microorganisms. If someone is able to identify an unknown bacteria they must fully understand all the characteristics that make that bacteria unique and by understanding these they can better understand all microorganisms and microbiology. And figuring out these characteristics using biochemical methods helps to better understand biochemistry and how is has such a huge influence on