Methyl red meaning

Methyl red is a pH indicator used to differentiate between acidic and basic solutions based on color changes.


Methyl red definitions

Word backwards lyhtem der
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division meth-yl red
Plural The plural of methyl red is methyl reds.
Total letters 9
Vogais (1) e
Consonants (7) m,t,h,y,l,r,d

Methyl red is a pH indicator dye that is commonly used in microbiology to differentiate bacteria based on their fermentation patterns. It is a synthetic dye with a deep red color that changes to yellow in acidic conditions.

Chemical Properties

Methyl red is an azo dye, meaning it contains an azo group (N=N). It is water-soluble and has a molecular formula of C15H15N3O2. The dye molecule absorbs light in the blue range and reflects red light, giving it its characteristic red color.

Microbiological Applications

In microbiology, methyl red is used in the Methyl Red (MR) test to identify bacteria that produce stable acids from glucose fermentation. The test distinguishes between bacteria that produce a mixed acid fermentation pathway, resulting in a pH below 4.4 and turning the methyl red indicator red, and those that produce other fermentation byproducts.

Industrial Uses

Aside from its applications in microbiology, methyl red is also used in various industrial processes. It is a common pH indicator in chemistry labs and is used in the production of dyes, pigments, and other chemicals. Its vibrant red color and pH sensitivity make it a versatile compound in different industries.

Overall, methyl red plays a crucial role in microbiology for differentiating bacterial species based on their metabolic pathways. Its distinct color change properties and chemical stability make it a valuable tool in various scientific and industrial applications.


Methyl red Examples

  1. The methyl red test is commonly used to differentiate bacteria based on their ability to ferment glucose.
  2. Adding methyl red indicator to a solution can help determine its pH level.
  3. Methyl red is often utilized in microbiology to identify organisms that produce mixed acids during fermentation.
  4. Chemists use methyl red as a pH indicator in titrations to determine the endpoint of a reaction.
  5. Students in a laboratory may use methyl red to test the acidity of different liquids.
  6. Researchers may use methyl red to monitor biochemical processes in cells.
  7. Methyl red is frequently employed in the food industry to test for the presence of acidic compounds.
  8. The use of methyl red in various applications is governed by specific protocols and procedures.
  9. Pharmaceutical companies may use methyl red in quality control tests for drug formulations.
  10. The addition of methyl red to a solution can result in a color change depending on the pH level.


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  • Updated 05/05/2024 - 00:30:22