Being such small life forms, it can be very hard for scientists and researchers to tell various species of bacteria apart from one another, even with a microscope.
Fortunately, scientists have been working on this exact problem for hundreds of years, and have since created a whole range of tests that can help identify and differentiate between different species, based on how exactly they react to changes in the environment that they are exposed to through these research experiments.
In this piece, we are going to take a look at the reaction from these tests that Staphylococcus epidermis has, a bacteria species that is part of the normal human microbiome environment found in our bodies.
Catalase Test
This is a test that researchers conduct on microorganisms to see whether or not they can produce catalase, an enzyme that is crucial in breaking down the dangerous chemical compound hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water, with are far safer for organic matter to deal with.
If this test is being conducted, a positive result will show that the bacteria culture that is being analyzed will create oxygen bubbles as the catalase is released and does its job, whereas a negative result will cause no reaction.
Staphylococcus epidermis will cause a positive reaction to take place, creating oxygen bubbles when tested.
Capsule Test
This is a test that is done on microorganisms to help differentiate the cell of an organism from the capsule of gelatinous organic matter that surrounds its outer layer.
Different bacteria species can vary in how much this capsule surrounds the organism, so the test helps researchers to see just how much can be seen.
In the case of Staphylococcus epidermis, they are usually encapsulated.
Gram Staining
The Gram Staining test is a popular scientific test that can be done to distinguish between different cultures of bacteria that are growing on a given sample petri dish.
The dye is applied to the sample, and gram-positive results will create bacteria cultures that are crystal violet, which will be different from the gram-negative results, which will instead turn a deeper purple or violet color, as the negative cultures absorb the secondary staining agent.
In this test, the Staphylococcus will create a positive result.
Conclusion
These are just a few tests that you can carry out on Staphylococcus epidermis. There are plenty more where these came from!
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by science. Every holiday I would ask for the newest science kit, and spend weeks learning with it.
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