| Proskauer, Bernhard | <person> German bacteriologist, 1851-1915. See: Voges-Proskauer reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| Voges-Proskauer reaction | A chemical reaction used in testing for the production of acetyl methyl carbinol by various bacteria; potassium hydroxide is added to a 24-hour culture in a suitable medium and thoroughly mixed; the treated culture is exposed to air and is observed at intervals of 2, 12, and 24 hours; a positive reaction consists of the development of an eosin-like pink colour, due to the production of acetylmethylcarbinol, which in the presence of alkali and oxygen is oxidised to diacetyl. (05 Mar 2000) |
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