10.4: Catalase Test Procedure
Catalase Test Procedure
Name: _____________________________________________________
Course Section: ______________________________________________
The following activity will teach students how to perform a catalase test and detect the presence of the catalase enzyme.
| Materials |
|
| Procedure |
|
1. Get into groups of 2. 2. Obtain a glass slide and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. 3. Using a sterilized inoculating loop, smear a sample of bacteria onto the slide. 4. Using a transfer pipet, place a drop of hydrogen peroxide on top of the bacteria. 5. Look for bubbles immediately:
6. Dispose of the slide in the biohazardous sharps container. |
Results
|
Species |
Bubbling (+/-) |
Catalase (+/-) |
Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Streptococcus bovis |
|
|
|
|
Staphylococcus epidermidis |
|
|
|
General Questions
1. What is catalase?
2. Why is catalase production an advantage for bacteria to survive?
3. What types of bacteria typically produce catalase?
4. What types of bacteria typically do not produce catalase?
5. Give the chemical reaction catalyzed by the catalase enzyme.
6. What role does the catalase test play in differentiating Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species in clinical diagnostics?
7. What are the potential consequences of failing to correctly identify a Streptococcus infection?