Indole test

The indole test is a biochemical test performed on bacterial species to determine the ability of the organism to convert tryptophan into indole. This division is performed by a chain of a number of different intracellular enzymes, a system generally referred to as 'tryptophanase.' The indole test is a biochemical test performed on bacterial species to determine the ability of the organism to convert tryptophan into indole. This division is performed by a chain of a number of different intracellular enzymes, a system generally referred to as 'tryptophanase.' Indole is generated by reductive deamination from tryptophan via the intermediate molecule indolepyruvic acid. Tryptophanase catalyzes the deamination reaction, during which the amine (-NH2) group of the tryptophan molecule is removed. Final products of the reaction are indole, pyruvic acid, ammonium (NH4+) and energy. Pyridoxal phosphate is required as a coenzyme.