Bacterial Identification Quiz

Bacteria that appear purple after Gram staining, are spherical, and occur in clusters.

Tests for the ability of a bacterial organism to break down red blood cells.

A Gram-positive coccus characterized by catalase-positive and coagulase-positive reactions, and often forming colonies that appear yellow/white/pink/milky.

A test measuring how sensitive a bacterium is to Optochin; the result is typically categorized as susceptible (S) or resistant (R).

Process of determining the species of bacteria based on their observed characteristics (like Gram stain, shape, growth, and biochemical reactions).

A staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall structure. Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer retain the crystal violet dye and appear purple after Gram staining, while those with thinner layers lose the dye and appear pink after counterstaining with safranin.

The ability of a bacterial organism to break down red blood cells. Different patterns of hemolysis can be observed on blood agar plates, indicating different types of hemolytic activity.

A test used to identify bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase. The presence of catalase can be detected by bubbling when hydrogen peroxide is added to a bacterial culture.

The physical characteristics of a bacterial colony on an agar plate, such as shape, size, color, and texture.

Beta hemolysis refers to the complete lysis (breakdown) of red blood cells around a bacterial colony on a blood agar plate, resulting in a clear zone of hemolysis.

Spherical or round-shaped bacteria.

Pairs of spherical bacteria.

A type of hemolysis where red blood cells around bacterial colonies are partially broken down, resulting in a greenish discoloration.

A type of hemolysis where red blood cells around bacterial colonies are completely broken down, resulting in a clear zone around the colonies.

A system for classifying streptococcal bacteria based on their cell wall antigens.