NUTRIENT AGAR (OXIDASE)

Nutrient Agar is recommended by APHA for differentiation of the coliform bacteria on the basis of presence of enzyme cytochrome oxidase. It is also recommended by ISO Committee for the same. Cytochrome oxidase is an iron-containing porphyrin enzyme that participates in the electron transfer mechanisms and in the nitrate metabolic pathways of some bacteria. Although the test can be performed by flooding the agar surface of an inoculated plate with the reagent after incubation or with the help of oxidase reagent impregnated filter paper.

for con?rmation of oxidase production by microorganisms