Microbial metabolism

Microbial metabolism refers to the chemical processes that microorganisms use to grow, reproduce, and maintain their functions. They break down nutrients from their environment—like sugars, proteins, or fats—through complex biochemical reactions to produce energy. This energy helps microbes build essential components and carry out tasks necessary for survival. Some microbes produce waste products or even other compounds as a result. Understanding microbial metabolism is important for applications like medicine, agriculture, and environmental management, as it reveals how microbes interact with their surroundings and influence ecosystems.