Final answer:
The clinician will perform the catalase test by mixing a small amount of the bacterial culture with hydrogen peroxide. If the bacteria have the catalase enzyme, bubbling will occur indicating a positive test result. This test is used to detect the presence of catalase in bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinician can determine if the bacteria contains catalase by performing the catalase test. In this test, a small amount of the bacterial culture is mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). If the bacteria have the catalase enzyme, the H2O2 will be split into water and oxygen. The release of oxygen gas is observed as bubbling, indicating a positive test result.
The catalase enzyme helps the bacteria to break down hydrogen peroxide, which is a harmful compound that can damage biomolecules in cells. Bacteria that live in aerobic conditions and produce ATP through aerobic respiration are likely to have the catalase enzyme.
It is important to note that the catalase test is not applicable for anaerobic bacteria, as they lack the enzyme. Only strict aerobes, facultative anaerobes, and microaerophiles are expected to produce a positive test result.