Microbial Physiology

(Pre-requisites: MCB 102 & either MCB 201 or 202)

Microbial cell: structure and functions. Microbial growth and nutrition. Microbial growth process: growth modes and factors affecting cell growth. Death of microorganisms. Microbial photosynthesis. Morphogenesis. Structure of the cell membrane. Transport of molecules across the cell membrane, including facilitated diffusion, mechanosensitive channels, ATP-driven ion motive pumps, ATP-driven cassette transporter family, phosphotransferase system. Microbial stress responses including osmotic stress and osmotolerance, oxidative stress, pH stress and acid tolerance, thermal stress and heat shock response. Modification of enzyme activity. Mechanisms of regulation. Cell to cell communication and quorum sensing.