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Bacteria in Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine, Sixth Edition provides a readable, up-to-date introduction to the subject that assumes no prior knowledge. The most significant development since the publication of the Fifth Edition has been the publishing of the whole genome sequence, which will form the basis for the major changes to the sixth edition. Covering general bacterial physiology, the book starts with core aspects such as structure, growth, differentiation, metabolism, and molecular biology. It then looks at applied aspects including genetic engineering, medicine, food, biomining, water, and wastewater treatment. It also covers disinfection, sterilization, antibiotics, culture, microscopy, staining, and molecular taxonomy. Many up-to-date references to papers and reviews are included together with good clear illustrations and a comprehensive index.
List of contents
Preface.
1. The bacteria: An introduction.
1.1 What are bacteria?
1.2 Why study bacteria?
1.3 Classifying and naming bacteria.
2. The bacterial cell.
2.1 Shapes, sizes and arrangements of bacterial cells.
2.2 The bacterial cell: A closer look.
2.3 Trichomes and coenocytic bacteria.
3. Growth and reproduction.
3.1 Conditions for growth.
3.2 Growth in a single cell.
3.3 Growth in bacterial populations.
3.4 Diauxic growth.
3.5 Measuring growth.
4. Differentiation.
4.1 The life-cycle of Caulobacter.
4.2 Swarming.
4.3 Resting cells.
4.4 Akinetes, heterocysts, hormogoni.
5. Metabolism I: energy.
5.1 Energy metabolism in chemotrophs.
5.2 Energy metabolism in phototrophs.
5.3 Other topics in energy metabolism.
5.4 Transport systems.
6. Metabolism II: carbon.
6.1 Carbon assimilation in autotrophs.
6.2 Carbon assimilation in heterotrophs.
6.3 Synthesis, interconversion and polymerization of carbon compounds.
6.4 Methylotrophy in bacteria.
7. Molecular biology I: genes and gene expression.
7.1 Chromosomes and plasmids.
7.2 Nucleic acids: Structure.
7.3 DNA replication
Report
" ... a useful survey of the subject for students contemplating specialization.'" (Nature)
"Singleton assumes the reader has no prior knowledge of DNA and gene expression, and does an extraordinary job of explaini ng things from scratch." (Quarterly Review of Biology)
" ... recommended to undergraduates and those seeking clear explanations of basic concepts of bacteriology." (Journal of Medical Microbiology)
