How is it possible for the same species to have two or more identification codess with the enterotube?

Answer 1

Not all bacteria of a given species will produce the same result in a given test media. For example, according to Bergey's, somewhere between 11% and 89% of E. coli are positive for ornithine decarboxylase. Since this test is inconclusive either a positive or negative result is acceptable if other tests indicate that the species being tested is E. coli.

Answer 2

Different strains or subspecies of the same species can have variations in their biochemical or metabolic pathways, resulting in different identification codes when using enterotube tests. These variations can be due to genetic differences that influence the expression of certain enzymes or metabolic processes within the species. Each unique identification code helps distinguish and classify the different subtypes or strains within the same species based on their unique biochemical profiles.

Answer 3

In any population of a species, there is a certain amount of variability. The bacterial ID numbers refer to specific biochemical reactions in the specific individual organism tested.