Bacillus Subtilis Lab Report

I had # 8 organism, Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacteria, rod-shaped and catalase positive. In order to figure out what is my unknown organism for this assignment, I had to perform series of tests. First was the glucose, lactose, and sucrose test. Through these three tests, I was able to detect the ability of the microorganism to ferment a specific carbohydrate. Fermentation reactions are observed by the color change in pH. In class, we used phenol red as the pH indicator and the result was a yellow color which indicated that enough acids products have been produced by fermentation (Phenol Red Carbohydrate Fermentation Broth lab handout). Next was the catalase test. After adding hydrogen peroxide to my sample, the
After one minute, my result was no color change indicates a negative test. The sulfate indole motility test was to see if indole is present, if so, then the medium will change to a vibrant red color. If indole is not present, there will be no color other than the color of the reagent itself indicating my result was negative (Sulfate Indole Motility lab handout). In class, we used a SIM medium tubed to demonstrate motility. A motile species of bacteria will grow away from the stab line as comparing to nonmotile species will only grow in the line of inoculation. After my tube was incubated at 37C for 24 hours, I concluded that is it a nonmotile specie. Next was the citrate test. The citrate test is to determine if the bacteria able to utilize citrate as its carbon and energy source (Citrate lab handout).The result of my citrate test was positive because I was able to see the growth on the slant surface. The color of the medium changed to an intense Prussian blue therefore this organism was able to use the citrate as a sole carbon and energy source. Another test we did in class was the amylase -starch hydrolysis
This disease usually affects animals such as goats, cattle, sheep, and horses. This disease can be transmitted to humans if contacted with infected animals. There are three ways anthrax can infect humans. One of the most common is infection through the skin causes a dark sore. Humans and animals can ingest anthrax from animals that have been contaminated. The deadliest form is the inhalation of anthrax. After anthrax is inhaled, it will travel to lymph glands in the chest where they spread and produce toxins usually result in death (Medicinenet). The incubation period for anthrax is between one to five days. Although the incubation period is relatively short, an individual may not show signs and symptoms of anthrax for weeks later. Symptoms include pain, muscle aches, headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting (Medicinenet). Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. As far as methods of prevention, there is a vaccine available for those whom are at high risk, for example, veterinarians, lab technicians, etc. One interesting fact about Bacillus subtilis is its endospores can survive up to 6 years in space if coated by dust particles protecting it from solar UV rays