Evaluation of methods to predict bacterial yield using thermodynamics.

Thermodynamic models can be used to predict bacterial yields and develop stoichiometric representation of biological reactions in the absence of empirical data. Several methods have been used by microbiologists, biotechnologists, and environmental engineers. This manuscript illustrates that these formulations are related. Yields predicted by estimation of Gibbs energy of dissipation and yields predicted by assumed efficiency of energy capture are comparable. Direct comparison of yield predictions from different methods shows the effects of assumptions inherent in the methodologies. Mathematical relationships between estimated values from the different methods help identify the best predictions from each method to bound the estimate of bacterial yield.