Different types of bacteria have different enzymes, by-products, etc. that can be identified by tests such as the catalase or oxidase test. These help narrow down the possible types an unknown bacteria could be, as the biochemical tests are usually quite specific. For example, if a catalase test is negative, one can almost be sure that the bacteria sample in question is S. faecalis. Biochemical tests are also some of the quickest, which also makes them very useful in a medical setting when one is trying to treat an infection. Their simplicity, ease, and specificity makes biochemical tests critical to the process of identifying bacteria
Different types of bacteria have different enzymes, by-products, etc. that can be identified by tests such as the catalase or oxidase test. These help narrow down the possible types an unknown bacteria could be, as the biochemical tests are usually quite specific. For example, if a catalase test is negative, one can almost be sure that the bacteria sample in question is S. faecalis. Biochemical tests are also some of the quickest, which also makes them very useful in a medical setting when one is trying to treat an infection. Their simplicity, ease, and specificity makes biochemical tests critical to the process of identifying bacteria