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Biomedical Basics

Microbial metabolism

  • Created by Henry Stewart Talks
Published on January 28, 2026   4 min

A selection of talks on Microbiology

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This session centers on microbial metabolism, offering a structured look at its core processes of catabolism and anabolism, and how these allow microbes to adapt and thrive in varied environments. We'll discuss key metabolic strategies such as aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation, their biochemical pathways, and the roles of enzymes and cofactors. The adaptability and diversity of microbial metabolism enable survival in extreme conditions and drive biotechnological innovations. Finally, we'll highlight how understanding microbial metabolism is essential for ecology, industry, and clinical applications. Microbial metabolism, the suite of chemical reactions that power microorganisms, enabling them to grow, reproduce, and adapt. Metabolism is split into two key processes, catabolism, which breaks down nutrients for energy, and anabolism, which synthesizes essential cellular components. These interconnected reactions reveal how microbes survive in diverse habitats and their vital role in ecosystems, industry, and medicine. Microbes have evolved diverse metabolic strategies to extract energy, depending on oxygen availability. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor for complete substrate oxidation, aerobic respiration relies on alternative acceptors like nitrate or sulfate, supporting life where oxygen is scarce. Fermentation, vital in low oxygen environments,

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Microbial metabolism

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