A vital part of a bacterium\u2019s ability to generate ATP is a group of membrane-bound proteins called cytochromes. Their function is to take the energetic electrons removed during metabolism of foods and transfer them to oxygen during oxidative metabolism. The last of the cytochromes is called terminal oxidase . This test is used to determine whether the oxidase cytochrome is present and functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A nutrient medium is streaked with bacteria. After colonies have arisen, individual colonies are removed using a sterile, non-metallic instrument (pre-sterilized plastic loop or sterile wooden splint). \u00a0The cells are rubbed into a moistened strip impregnated with oxidase reagent<\/a> . This chemical takes the place of oxygen as a recipient for the electrons from the oxidase cytochrome. The additional electrons turn the oxidase reagent from colorless to purple. If oxidase is not present, no color change is observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No medium is required for this test in the software, as it is a video-based test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The microbe being tested is streaked for isolation on an appropriate growth medium, such as nutrient agar. \u00a0After 24h incubation, the cells can be tested in one of two ways. \u00a0The simplest way is to simply flood the growth with oxidase reagent<\/a> and observe for the development of a deep indigo blue in and around the colonies. \u00a0The clear oxidase reagent turns blue when cytochrome oxidase adds electrons to the chemical instead of to oxygen, as it normally does. \u00a0Development of the blue color is positive for presence of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase. \u00a0The color change does not occur in a negative test.\u00a0 Because of the expense and instability of oxidase reagent, this test is rarely performed in that manner. Instead, more reliable and inexpensive methods have become the standard. \u00a0\u00a0Common in the clinical lab is the use of paper strips impregnated with oxidase reagent<\/a>. \u00a0Fresh growth is removed from the agar plate using a non-metallic instrument such as a sterile plastic inoculating loop or a sterile swab or wooden splint. \u00a0The oxidase test strip is moistened slightly with sterile water and the growth is rubbed into the moistened paper of the strip. \u00a0If the microbe has cytochrome oxidase, it will add electrons to the reagent, changing it from its colorless appearance to a deep indigo blue in a matter of 10-20 seconds. \u00a0Waiting any long than this increases the likelihood that the reagent turns blue due to natural chemical changes caused by exposure to air. \u00a0If the color does not turn blue within 20 seconds, the test is negative for the presence of oxidase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oxidase reagent<\/a> is provided in the form of impregnated paper strips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In VUMIE Online\u00a9 Online Lab a video is provided that depicts removal of cells from an isolated colony of the unknown microbe and placement on a piece of filter paper for performing the test. Oxidase reagent is then added and the reaction is observed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To view the oxidase test in VUMIE Online lab, complete the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat medium is used? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How is the test performed? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What reagents are added? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Performing this test in the VUMIE Online lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n