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These 4 IMViC tests (actually 6 tests if you include motility and H2S) constitute, perhaps, the most critical tests used for identification of bacteria after the gram stain. The test results from these 6 tests should carry more weight than almost any other tests, certainly higher priority than sugar results since they are more stable reactions. The SIM agar deep is a multi-test medium comprising 3 tests: sulfide (H2S gas), indole production, and motility. You have already tested for motility via the hanging drop slide and TTC, and here is an additional way to determine it (although not as good as TTC). The amino acid tryptophan can be converted by the enzyme tryptophanase into an end product called indole. This chemical is identified when it reacts with Kovacs reagent. Since the TTC agar deep is a better way to run motility, we use SIM for indole and sulfide production. Sodium thiosulfate is in this medium and can be utilized by bacteria, with the production of hydrogen sulfide. H2S is colorless. Ferric ammonium sulfite is in the medium to reaction with H2S, producing a black ferrous suflide. The MRVP tests are run together in the same broth and then split into 2 tubes when ready to be tested for the end products. The methyl red test determines the use of glucose, with the subsequent production of acid, tested for by the pH indicator methyl red. The VogesProskauer test also determines glucose use, but for a different end product---not acid but a neutral product called acetoin (or acetylmethylcarbinol). The VP is really important for identification of many bacteria, but it is a picky test, and MUST be done exactly right. The citrate test identifies the use of citrate as a sole carbon source, since there are no other nutrients in this medium. The basic end products (carbonates, bicarbonates, and ammonium hydroxide) will cause the brom thymol blue indicator in the medium to turn from forest green to royal blue. OBJECTIVES: Understand the importance of these 4 IMViC tests, plus the addition SIM tests.. Determine the various reactions for these media: MRVP broth, SIM, Simmon citrate, and SIM. MATERIALS NEEDED: 1 SIM deep per unknown 1 MRVP broth per unknown 1 Simmon citrate agar slants per unknown TTC motility agar deep