API strips

Definition

API strips are a tool used in microbiology to identify bacteria through biochemical tests. Each strip contains multiple wells with dehydrated substrates that react with bacterial metabolic products.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. API strips contain 20 microtubules, each holding different dehydrated biochemical substrates.
2. The strips are primarily used for the identification of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
3. Each well in an API strip changes color based on the metabolic activity of the inoculated bacterium, indicating different enzymatic reactions.
4. Results from API strips can be interpreted using a standardized scoring system to identify bacterial species.
5. API strips can test for a variety of metabolic activities such as carbohydrate fermentation, amino acid degradation, and enzyme production.

Review Questions

• What types of bacteria are typically identified using API strips?
• How do the wells in an API strip indicate different enzymatic reactions?
• What kind of biochemical activities can be tested using API strips?

Related terms

Fermentation: A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Biochemical Tests: Methods used to identify bacteria based on their metabolic characteristics.

Enzyme Production: The synthesis of enzymes by bacteria that catalyze specific biochemical reactions.