Question

An organism has been shown to produce hydrogen sulfide and indole in its metabolism. these are examples of _____ characteristics that can be helpful in the identification of the microorganism.

Answer 1

Biochemical characteristics like the production of hydrogen sulfide and indole are phenotypic traits used in the identification of microorganisms. Tests to determine an organism's metabolic capabilities are part of creating a biochemical fingerprint for classification. Advanced systems and assays provide precise identification based on these traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

An organism that produces hydrogen sulfide and indole as part of its metabolism exhibits specific biochemical characteristics which are crucial in identifying the microorganism. These characteristics are a part of a broader set of phenotypic traits used to create a biochemical profile, often referred to as a “fingerprint”, that can aid in the classification and identification of bacterial species.

Various assays like the Triple Sugar Iron (TSI), nitrate reduction, and catalase tests determine an organism’s metabolic capabilities such as aerobic or anaerobic respiration, nitrogen fixation, or sulfur metabolism. Advanced methodologies like matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) or automated systems like Biolog can also be utilized for more precise identification based on these phenotypic biochemical characteristics.

All these methods underscore the immense metabolic diversity found among bacteria and Archaea, based on which they interact with their environment and other organisms, often contributing to their survival and growth within specific ecological niches.

Answer 2

An organism has been shown to produce hydrogen sulfide and indole in its metabolism. These are examples of biochemical characteristics that can be helpful in the identification of the microorganism.

Biochemical identification is an examination that identifies a bacterium based on these biochemical characters. Biochemical identification of bacteria with prepared galleries of biochemical tests allow rapid identification of bacteria.