Analysis
of
cell
components
such
as
carbohydrates,
fatty
acids,
hydroxyacids,
organic
acids,
amino
acids
and
amines
cam
also
be
done
by
gas
chromatography.
A
general
profile
of
microbial
cell
components
gives
useful
information
for
classification;
however,
analysis
of
specific
cell
constituents
provides
a
mean
of
specific
identification.
Characteristic metabolic products produced by bacteria can be analyzed by gas chromatography and used in identification. for example, gas chromatographic methods have been used routinely as aids in the identification of anaerobic bacteria through analysis of end products such as alcohols, fatty acids and other volatile compounds. Organic acids have also been analyzed from various aerobic bacterial cultures and the chromatographic patterns of organic acids produced by bacteria have been helpful in identification.
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