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A single-source reference on the biology of algae, this new edition examines the most important taxa and structures for freshwater, marine, and terrestrial forms of algae. Its comprehensive coverage goes from algae's historical role through its taxonomy and ecology to its natural product possibilities. The book's unifying theme is on the important role of algae in the earth's self-regulating life support system and its function within restorative models of planetary health. It also discusses algae's biotechnological applications, including potential nutritional and pharmaceutical products.
List of contents
General Overview. Anatomy. Photosynthesis. Working with Light. Biogeochemical Role of Algae. Algal Culturing. Algae Utilization. Oddities and Curiosities in the Algal World. Index.
About the author
Dr. Paolo Gualtieri graduated in biology and computer science from the University of Pisa, Italy. At present, he is a senior scientist at the Biophysics Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) in Pisa, Italy, and an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, University College, College Park, USA. He is a professional orchestral trumpet player.
Dr. Laura Barsanti graduated in natural science from the University of Pisa, Italy. At present, she is a scientist at the Biophysics Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) in Pisa (Italy).
Summary
A single-source reference on the biology of algae, Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, Second Edition examines the most important taxa and structures for freshwater, marine, and terrestrial forms of algae. Its comprehensive coverage goes from algae's historical role through its taxonomy and ecology to its natural product possibilities.
The authors have gathered a significant amount of new material since the publication of the first edition. This completely revised second edition contains many changes and additions including the following:
- All revised and rewritten tables, plus new figures, many in color
- A fascinating new chapter: Oddities and Curiosities in the Algal World
- Expanded information on algal anatomy
- Absorption spectra from all algal divisions, chlorophylls, and accessory pigments
- Additional information on collection, storage, and preservation of algae
- Updated section on algal toxins and algal bioactive molecules
The book's unifying theme is on the important role of algae in the earth's self-regulating life support system and its function within restorative models of planetary health. It also discusses algae's biotechnological applications, including potential nutritional and pharmaceutical products. Written for students as well as researchers, teachers, and professionals in the field of phycology and applied phycology, this new full-color edition is both illuminating and inspiring.
Additional text
Praise for the first edition:
"…stands out for its in-depth information on structural and mechanical anatomy, with flagella as the most prominent example. The meticulous and elegant drawings of algal apparatuses and their mechanics make it easy to understand complex structures and functions, as well as constitutes another outstanding feature of this book."—Senjie Lin, Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 81, December 2006 "Not intended to be comprehensive, this text is nonetheless packed with information on the general biology, anatomy, phylogeny, biochemistry, and culture of algae. The chapters...provide practical information and an excellent demonstration of the application of scientific knowledge. Highly recommended for students and experts alike..."—Southeastern Naturalist, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2006". . . a good book, which presents well, is well put together and does deliver its objectives as stated in the preface." —Philip S Manson, Convance Laboratories Ltd., in BTS Newsletter, Winter 2007, No. 31
". . . the authors concentrate on highlighting interesting and illuminating topics, with the idea of inciting the sort of wonder and curiosity that will encourage further outstanding research." —Willem F. Prud’homme van Reine, in Blumea, 2006, Vol. 51, No. 3
