Define bioenergetics and discuss the relevance of energy in living microbial cells. Define BOD and BODs.

SECTION A

Question 2:

a) (i) Define bioenergetics.
Bioenergetics is the study of energy flow and transformations within living systems, including how organisms acquire, convert, and utilize energy to perform biological work.

a) (ii) Discuss the relevance of energy in living microbial cells.
Energy is essential for all microbial cellular activities. Microbes require energy for growth, reproduction, motility, nutrient uptake, the biosynthesis of cellular components (like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids), and maintaining homeostasis. Without sufficient energy, microbial cells cannot sustain their metabolic processes or survive.

b) (i) Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by aerobic microorganisms during the decomposition of organic matter in a water sample over a specific period, typically 5 days at 20°C (BOD₅). It serves as an indicator of organic pollution in water.

b) (ii) BODs.
BOD is a critical parameter