Microbial
Metabolism
Microorganisms,
in
order
to
grow
must
be
supplied
with
energy
and
other
materials
such
as
nitrogen,
phosphorus
etc.
Often,
a
reduced
carbon
source
such
as
glucose
can
serve
as
the
energy
source
to
most
organisms.
Some
organisms
can
also
utilize
simple
inorganic
nitrogen
compounds.
Bacteria
such
as
E.
coli
which
are
complex
in
composition
synthesize
all
components
necessary
for
growth
and
multiplication
even
when
grown
in
a
medium
containing
glucose,
an
inorganic
nitrogen
source
and
minerals.
The
various
ways
in
which
microorganisms
metabolise
glucose
and
simple
carbon
compounds
and
generate
energy
as
well
as
basic
carbon
skeletons
essential
for
the
synthesis
of
macromolecules.
These
reactions
are
collectively
referred
to
as "intermediary
metabolism" and
comprise
a
series
of
biosynthetic
and
degradative
reactions
catalysed
by
different
enzymes.
It
is
not
the
purpose
of
this
topic
however,
to
provide
all
details
of
the
mechanisms
by
which
microorganisms
generate
energy
and
synthesise
macromolecules
since
these
can
be
seen
in
any
textbook
of
biochemistry.
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