This document discusses various methods used to identify and characterize prokaryotes, including phenotypic, genotypic, and strain-level characterization techniques. Phenotypic methods include microscopy, staining techniques like Gram stain, culture characteristics, and biochemical tests. Genotypic identification uses nucleic acid-based methods like PCR and sequencing. Strain differentiation analyzes biochemical profiles, serological reactions, genomic fingerprinting using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, ribotyping, and phage typing susceptibility patterns.