Myxomycetes: Biology, Systematics, Biogeography and Ecology

Myxomycetes: Biology, Systematics, Biogeography, and Ecology is a comprehensive overview of the body of accumulated knowledge that now exists on myxomycetes. Its broad scope takes an integrated approach to the knowledge of this organismal group, considering a number of important aspects of their genetics and molecular phylogeny. It also treats myxomycetes as a distinct group from fungi, and includes molecular information that discusses the systematics and evolutionary pathways of the group. Additionally, biomedical and engineering applicability is discussed, thus expanding the audience and use of the book in a multidisciplinary context.

The book provides an authoritative resource for students, researchers and educators interested in the fields of protistology, microbial ecology, molecular microbiology, biogeography, mycology, biodiversity, and evolutionary biology, and will also interest the amateur naturalist and biologist.

Written in a simple, concise, and relatively non-technical style, allowing for a broad readership within biological, environmental and life science programs at academic and research institutionsContains the comprehensive body of information available on myxomycetes under one cover, with contributions from the leading authorities in their respective topicsProvides straightforward, compiled information about myxomycetes and the potential of this group for basic and applied research

1. The myxomycetes 2. Historical and study of myxomycetes 3. Phylogeny and evolution 4. Cell and Molecular Biology of Myxomycetes 5. Molecular Techniques and Current Research Approaches 6. Biochemistry and Physiology 7. Taxonomy and systematics 8. Ecology and distribution 9. Biogeographical patterns 10. Recording and isolation techniques 11. Uses and potential 12. Myxomycetes in education 13. Myxomycete research in the XXI Century