A GENERIC VIEW OF CLASSIC MICROBIAL-GROWTH MODELS

General theoretical aspects are reviewed of models for microbial growt h and endogenous metabolism. The focus is on a generic cell model with two components. Growth is represented as the increase of one of these components (the structural scaffolding or 'frame'). A novel feature o f the present generic model is the explicit modelling of(partial) meta bolic shutdown under conditions where maintenance requirements cannot be met. Two different approaches to mechanistic underpinnings for the classic models are outlined. The first approach is based on a bimolecu lar reaction between the non-permanent biomass component and the perma nent biomass component. The second approach is based on cellular contr ol systems.