Microbial Growth and Stoichiometry

This lecture explores the complex processes of cell growth and product formation, focusing on the kinetics and stoichiometry of intracellular reactions. It delves into the law of the minimum, stoichiometric models, medium evaluation, elemental balances, and energy yields in biochemical engineering. The instructor discusses the relationship between growth rates of biomass and substrate uptake, emphasizing the importance of stoichiometry in exponential cultures. Various microbial growth media types and their functions are examined, along with the elemental composition of cells. The lecture also covers the theoretical approach to designing a medium, systematics of elemental balancing for microbial reactions, and the degree of reduction in compounds. Additionally, it addresses the maximum possible yield, energy balance, and heat of reaction in processes with biomass production.