Final answer:
The use of laboratory tests to establish microbial fermentation capacities is known as Metabolic Profiling. This technique is critical in differentiating microbial species for both applied and diagnostic purposes, utilizing biochemical profiles constructed from an array of biochemical tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of a laboratory test to determine the fermentation capabilities of a microbial species is part of the process known as Metabolic Profiling. Microbial fermentation processes have myriad applications in food production, pharmaceuticals, and are also employed for the diagnostic identification of microbes. In the context of Bergey's Manual and bacterial classification, biochemical assays are utilized to construct a biochemical profile or 'fingerprint' that can aid in classifying or identifying bacterial species. Moreover, technologies like API Test Panels facilitate the biochemical characterization of microbes through a multitude of tests, with results compared to a database for rapid identification.
Microbial strains can be differentiated by their distinctive fermentation pathways and products. Using modern systems like Biolog requires a panel of biochemical reactions analyzed by specialized software, which determines the ability of microbes to metabolize different biochemicals. Accurately identifying bacteria is crucial for managing clinical issues such as epidemics and food poisoning outbreaks, wherein phenotypic identification by structural components, biosynthetic or storage compounds is essential.