Sections & Workgroups > Section on Microbial Physiology
Section on Microbial Physiology
Microbial growth and metabolism play key roles in all of the major geochemical cycles of Planet Earth, consuming and replenishing carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulphur in the biosphere. Microbes can be extremely beneficial. They are essential tools in environmental biotechnology, biodegradation, composting, the supply of fresh drinking water, the safe disposal of sewage, and in food, wine and beer production. But they can also cause disease and food deterioration. Microbial physiology is the study of microbial structure and function, in particular, how microbial activity responds to changes in the environment. It is therefore the key to controlling detrimental aspects of microbes, and to exploiting them for the good of the human race.
The EFB Section on Microbial Physiology was founded on 17 August 1997, during an EFB General Assembly. One of its main activities is the organization of high-level scientific symposia. Major features of these activities are:
1. they are interdisciplinary, bringing together molecular microbiologists, geneticists, environmental and industrial biotechnologists and chemical engineers;
2. they are truly international, typically attended by participants from across the world;
3. all sectors are represented: industry, academia, research institutes and government agencies.
Meetings are organized at 2 to 4 year intervals around a series of focused themes that include:
- recombinant protein production;
- analysis of microbial physiology at the single cell level;
- microbial response to environmental stress;
- bacterial electron transfer processes and their genetic regulation; and
- the physiology of yeast and filamentous fungi.
Other activities include participation in short courses; drafting of position papers for the European Commission, and provision of expertise for European governmental agencies.
For information about the last meeting of the Microbial Physiology Section, please give click on: Section Minutes
Contact Info:
For further information about the Section on Microbial Physiology, please visit the Section website or contact:
Prof. Dr. Jeff Cole (Chairman)
University of Birmingham
School of Biochemistry
P.O. Box 363
UK, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: +44 121 414 5440
Fax: +44 121 414 5925
E-mail: J.A.Cole@BHAM.AC.UK