Gelatin is a protein derived from the connective tissues of vertebrates, that is,

collagen. It is produced when collagen is boiled in water. Gelatin hydrolysis detects

the presence of gelatinases. Gelatinases are proteases secreted extracellularly by
some bacteria which hydrolyse or digest gelatin. The production of gelatinases is
used as a presumptive test for the identification of various organisms, including
Staphylococcus sp., Enterobacteriaceae, and some gram-positive bacilli.

principle

This test is used to determine the ability of an organism to produce extracellular

proteolytic enzymes (gelatinases) that liquefy gelatin, a component of vertebrate
connective tissue. This test differentiates pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus which
is gelatinase-positive from non-pathogenic epidermidis which is gelatinase negative.
The reaction occurs in two sequential steps: in first reaction gelatinases hydrolyze
gelatin into polypeptides and then polypeptides are further converted into amino
acids. The amino acid is taken up by the cell and used for metabolic purposes. The
presence of gelatinases is detected using a nutrient gelatin medium. When an
organism produces gelatinase, the enzyme liquefies the growth medium by
hydrolyzing gelatin present in the medium.

Uses:

This test is used to determine the ability of an organism that produce gelatinases.
This test differentiates pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus which is gelatinase-
positive from non-pathogenic epidermidis which is gelatinase negative.
Importance:
The gelatin hydrolysis test detects the ability of bacteria to produce gelatinases. This
test aids in the identification of serrati, pseudomonas, flavobacterium and
clostridium.
The end products:
Organism producing proteolytic enzymes, gelatinase, hydrolyze gelatin into
polypeptides and individual amino acids.