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Microbial kinetics

Microbial kinetics is a sub-field of microbiology that focuses on the rates of microbial metabolisms. It differs from enzyme kinetics by focusing on the rates of overall metabolic reactions and their dependence on biological and environmental factors. Microbial kinetics has been applied to both theoretical and practical questions, from organic matter degradation to bioremediation, and to the evolution of life.

Microbial kinetics describes microbial metabolisms using the rates of microbial catabolism (fermentation and respiration), growth, and maintenance. Catabolic rates r can be calculated according to the Monod equation,$$r=k\cdot[X]\cdot\frac{[S]}{[S]+K}$$where k is the rate constant, K is the half-saturation constant, [X] is the biomass concentration, and [S] is the substrate concentration.

Growth rate is calculated according to

$$\frac{d[X]}{dt}=Y\centerdot r-m$$

where Y is the growth yield, and m is the maintenance rate.