What does it mean that acid is produced from ____ by bacteria?

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SUMMARY

In the discussion, the focus is on the metabolic capabilities of Streptococcus thermophilus, specifically its ability to produce acid from glucose but not from glycerol. This indicates that S. thermophilus can utilize glucose for energy and generate acidic byproducts, while glycerol does not undergo the same metabolic pathway. The conversation also highlights the need for resources that detail the chemical pathways associated with specific bacterial species, such as gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bacterial metabolism and fermentation processes
  • Familiarity with Bergey’s Manual® of Systematic Bacteriology
  • Knowledge of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways
  • Basic microbiology concepts related to bacterial growth and survival
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the metabolic pathways of Streptococcus thermophilus
  • Learn about the fermentation capabilities of various bacteria
  • Explore resources on bacterial metabolic pathways, such as the KEGG database
  • Investigate the role of different carbon sources in bacterial growth
USEFUL FOR

Microbiologists, biochemists, and anyone studying bacterial metabolism and fermentation processes will benefit from this discussion.

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What does it mean that "acid is produced from ____" by bacteria?

I've identified a bacteria (specifically stephococcus thermophilis) and am using Bergey’s Manual® of Systematic Bacteriology to learn more about it. The manual states S. Thermophilis produces acid from glucose, but not from glycerol and I'm wondering exactly what this means?

Does it mean that s. thermophilis can survive on glucose but not on glycerol? Or is it mearly a test to differentiate between bacteria and does not have anything to do with what the bacteria survive on?

On another note is there a website or book out there that if I know what bacterial species I'm working with, it will tell me what chemical pathways are present (ie gluconeogenesis, glycolysis).

I'm trained as a chemist so please forgive me if my question is trivial.
 
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That distinction doesn't mean that it can't survive on glycerol. It means that the pathways present create acidic byproducts from glucose but not glycerol.
 

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