In: Biology
Compare between oxidase and catalase enzymes in microbial identification. Provide at least one example for each enzyme.
Catalase enzyme - Enzyme- based tests play an important role in identification of bacteria. Catalase is an enzyme produced by microorganisms which respires using oxygen. Catalase test is used to identify the presence of enzyme catalase by using hydrogen peroxide. It catalyses the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. It is indicated by bubble formation.
2H2O2 ------------------ 2H2O+ O2
Oxidase test - It is used to identify bacteria which produces cytochrome c oxidase. It is an enzyme of the bacterial electron transport chain. This test is used to detect the presence of cytochrome oxidase enzyme, also called as indophenol oxidase. In the presence of the enzyme, it oxidizes the test reagent tetramethyl - p - phenylenediamine (colourless) to indophenol blue ( dark blue or purple coloured compound).
Example - Catalase test is used to differentiate Staphylococci (catalase positive) from Streptococci (catalse negative)
Oxidase test is used to differentiate Pseudomonas (oxidase positive) from E.coli (oxidase negative).