12.6.5: Pigment and Odor Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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Pigment production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The green water-soluble pigment characteristic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is due to production of a green to blue water-soluble toxin called pyocyanin (see Fig. \(\PageIndex{21\) above). A fluorescent siderophore called pyoverdin, often produced by Pseudomonas, will typically fluoresce when the plate is placed under a short wavelength ultraviolet light (see Fig. \(\PageIndex{22\) above). After a few minutes at room temperature, the plate loses its fluorescence. The fluorescence, however, can be restored by placing the plate back at 37°C for several minutes.

Odor

Most of the Enterobacteriaceae have a rather foul smell; Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a characteristic fruity or grape juice-like aroma due to production of an aromatic compound called aminoacetophenone.

Contributors and Attributions

Dr. Gary Kaiser (COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, CATONSVILLE CAMPUS)