Final answer:
To distinguish between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, a catalase test is used where Staphylococcus, being catalase-positive, will produce bubbles with hydrogen peroxide. For further differentiation within Staphylococcus, the coagulase test is applied to identify S. aureus.
Step-by-step explanation:
To distinguish between Staphylococcus and streptococcus, a laboratory technician can perform a catalase test.
This test works by adding hydrogen peroxide to a culture of the bacteria. Bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase will break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, resulting in the formation of bubbles.
Staphylococcus species are catalase-positive and will bubble upon application of hydrogen peroxide, while Streptococcus species are catalase-negative and will not produce bubbles.
For further differentiation among Staphylococcus species, like distinguishing S. aureus from other staphylococci, the coagulase test is applied.
S. aureus will typically coagulate plasma due to the coagulase enzyme it produces, whereas other staphylococci will not.