HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR AN ORGANISM TO BE POSITIVE FOR GLUCOSE USE IN A PHENOL RED TEST BUT NEGATIVE IN THE METHYL RED TEST?

Methyl red differs from Phenolred (which is used in the fermentation test and the MSA plates) in that it is yellow at pH 6.2 and above and red at pH 4.4 and below. Phenol red turns yellow below a pH of 6.8. If you get a positive with methyl red and a negative with phenol red, the pH has to be between 6.7 and 6.1.