3 Phenotypic and Physiological Characterization Methods

Publication date: 2011 Source:Methods in Microbiology, Volume 38 Author(s): Noel R. Krieg , Penelope J. Padgett This chapter provides various methods that are useful for the physiological characterization of new taxa, as well the pertinent media and reagents involved. The chapter begins with fundamental characterization tests such as those for determining oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen requirements; optimal temperature, salinity and pH and sole carbon and nitrogen sources. The chapter proceeds with methods to detect the ability to ferment or oxidize carbohydrates, end products of carbohydrate catabolism, nitrate reduction and denitrification, hydrolysis of various polymers and types of pigments that may be produced. The next portion of the chapter presents a number of additional, more specific physiological methods that may be useful in describing a strain or species. The third portion contains a summary of several commercial multi-test systems which, although used mainly for the identification of isolates, may also be useful for rapidly determining some of the physiological characteristics of a new strain or species.

Source: Methods in Microbiology - October 12, 2014 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research