Final answer:
Biochemical tests for species identification use metabolic pathways and biochemical reactions to classify bacteria. Methods include API test panels and automated systems like Biolog's, which assess a bacterium's metabolic capabilities. Bergey's Manual serves as a key reference for identifying bacteria through their biochemical profiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biochemical tests for species identification involve the use of various metabolic pathways and biochemical reactions to determine the genus and species of bacteria. Using methods such as API test panels, microbiologists can measure the microbe's reactions to different substrates and compare the outcomes with a database of known bio-chemical reactions characteristic of specific microbes. Biolog's system, for example, uses panels of biochemical reactions that are analyzed either manually or through semi- or fully automated instruments to identify bacterial species based on their metabolic capabilities, including carbon utilization and fermentation of sugars. This phenotypic identification is an essential process within clinical laboratories for diagnosing diseases, managing bacterial outbreaks, and understanding microbial metabolism.
The Bergey's Manual is a renowned reference book that lists tests to differentiate and identify bacteria, providing a comprehensive database that includes the expected biochemical profiles for various species. These profiles, often akin to a 'fingerprint' of a species, allow for a streamlined identification process. These biochemical tests complement other microbiological identification methods, such as DNA/RNA analysis and serological testing, solidifying their importance in the field of microbiology.