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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry reactions, what is the expected result when bacteria growing on blood agar produce hemolysins?
A
Black precipitate formation
B
Clear zones around the colonies
C
Greenish discoloration around the colonies
D
No change in the appearance of the agar
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Blood agar is a type of growth medium that contains red blood cells and is used to differentiate bacterial species based on their hemolytic properties.
Identify the role of hemolysins: Hemolysins are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that can lyse red blood cells, leading to different types of hemolysis.
Differentiate types of hemolysis: There are three main types of hemolysis observed on blood agar: alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ).
Explain beta hemolysis: Beta hemolysis is characterized by the complete lysis of red blood cells, resulting in clear zones around the bacterial colonies.
Conclude with expected result: When bacteria produce hemolysins that cause beta hemolysis, the expected result is clear zones around the colonies on blood agar.