Seminar: Microbial growth and metabolism

This unit's Seminar will examine some of the requirements needed for growth of microbes. In addition, you will discuss the important processes of microbial metabolism. Growing microorganisms can be a tricky business, and eliminating their growth in undesirable places can prove to be equally as challenging. Knowledge of their growth and metabolic requirements provides a foundation that can be used to effectively culture bacteria, and prevent their growth when desired.

Come to Seminar prepared to discuss the following questions:

1. Provide three examples of physical requirements and three examples of chemical requirements for bacterial growth in the lab.

2. Considering these six examples, what places in your home offer an optimal environment for bacterial growth? Why?

3. Review the process of carbohydrate catabolism and compare cellular respiration with fermentation.

a. If cellular respiration makes more fuel for the cells, why wouldn't all bacteria use this method?

b. What are the by-products of bacterial fermentation and how do they benefit humans?

4. Describe the process of bacterial identification using biochemical tests. How does knowledge of microbial metabolism allow a microbiologist to use these tests when identifying an unknown?

Option 2 - Alternative Assignment:Write and submit a short paper in APA format with the correct use of in-text citations and references. Include a well-developed introduction and conclusion in your paper. In a 500-word paper, discuss the questions in option 1.