ABSTRACT
Though they have not been fully researched, enzyme testing and purification of the responsible enzymes are important analytical and preparative methods in microbiology. Enzyme assays are needed in order to compare the metabolic features of various species and can be used to follow metabolic changes during the growth of an organism. The knowledge of the key enzymes in the energy metabolism of microorganisms is a prerequisite for an understanding of bioenergetics and gross material fluxes in ecosystems. These tests are essential for the tracing of individual enzymes throughout a purification. Pure enzymes are essential starting materials for biochemical and structural studies on this important class of biomolecules. The knowledge of their functional properties can provide access to novel biotechnological processes or can play an important role in the development and progression of diseases.
