Microbial metabolism refers to the sum of all biochemical processes that occur within a microbial cell, enabling it to grow, reproduce, and interact with its environment. This includes catabolic processes that break down organic and inorganic substances to release energy and anabolic processes that use energy to build cellular components. Understanding microbial metabolism is crucial for bioremediation strategies, as it helps determine how microbes can be harnessed to degrade pollutants, improve nutrient availability, and tackle emerging contaminants effectively.
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