In many cases scientists and health professionals need to identify a microbe in a given environment. Learning the members of a population of microbes present in nature can give us new insights into biochemical processes that are taking place. This leads to a better understanding of environments and the role microbes play in them. Identifying a microbe growing in a patient will identify the disease and the treatments that are effective at eliminating it. Identification tests can also be used to monitor and eliminate microbes present in the food supply, increasing food safety by eliminating pathogens and decreasing spoilage. These are just a few of the many reasons for identifying microbes.