How can Enterobacteriaceae be differentiated from other intestinal bacteria in culture?

How can Enterobacteriaceae be differentiated from other intestinal bacteria in culture?

• A. By their ability to produce hydrogen sulfide
• B. By their inability to ferment glucose
• C. By their ability to ferment glucose
• D. By their shape under a microscope

Answer: (C)

Enterobacteriaceae can be differentiated from other intestinal bacteria in culture primarily by their ability to ferment glucose. This family of bacteria is known for its capability to utilize glucose as a primary energy source, fermenting it to produce acids and gas products in anaerobic conditions. This characteristic is crucial in identifying Enterobacteriaceae, as most other common intestinal bacteria may not share the same ability to ferment glucose efficiently. In laboratory settings, specific culture media contain glucose and observe changes in pH or gas production to indicate fermentation. The fermentation reaction leads to noticeable changes, such as a color change in phenol red indicator agar, thereby aiding in the differentiation process. While other characteristics, such as hydrogen sulfide production or cell shape, may be useful in broader classifications, the ability to ferment glucose is a fundamental property that serves as a primary distinguishing feature of Enterobacteriaceae compared to many other intestinal bacteria.

Enterobacteriaceae can be differentiated from other intestinal bacteria in culture primarily by their ability to ferment glucose. This family of bacteria is known for its capability to utilize glucose as a primary energy source, fermenting it to produce acids and gas products in anaerobic conditions. This characteristic is crucial in identifying Enterobacteriaceae, as most other common intestinal bacteria may not share the same ability to ferment glucose efficiently.

In laboratory settings, specific culture media contain glucose and observe changes in pH or gas production to indicate fermentation. The fermentation reaction leads to noticeable changes, such as a color change in phenol red indicator agar, thereby aiding in the differentiation process.

While other characteristics, such as hydrogen sulfide production or cell shape, may be useful in broader classifications, the ability to ferment glucose is a fundamental property that serves as a primary distinguishing feature of Enterobacteriaceae compared to many other intestinal bacteria.