This is a chapter from the free textbook "Economic Principles in Cell Biology"

In this chapter, we discuss the principles underpinning models of microbial growth, articulating the foundational assumptions that govern these systems. These premises serve as tools to unravel a sequence of progressively intricate examples, each with a unique layer of complexity that challenges and expands our understanding of microbial metabolic systems. Notably, the solutions derived from these models succeed in reproducing the core growth laws characteristic of microbial proliferation. The chapter also contemplates fundamental concepts in modeling, specifically, granularity and the determination of model assumptions. We aim to empower students with a robust theoretical framework and practical skill set for exploring microbial growth dynamics, fostering their ability to formulate, evaluate, and refine their own models