Biology of the Prokaryotes

Designed as an upper–level textbook and a reference for researchers, this important book concentrates on central concepts of the bacterial lifestyle. Taking a refreshingly new approach, it present an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of an interacting population. Beginning with a description of cellular structures, the text proceeds through metabolic pathways and metabolic reactions to the genes and regulatory mechanisms. At a higher level of complexity, a discussion of cell differentiation processes is followed by a description of the diversity of prokaryotes and their role in the biosphere. A closing section deals with man and microbes (ie, applied microbiology).

The first text to adopt an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of a population.
Vividly illustrates the diversity of the prokaryotic world – nearly all the metabolic diversity in living organisms is found in microbes.
New developments in applied microbiology highlighted.
Extensive linking between related topics allows easy navigation through the book.
Generously illustrated in two colours.
Essential definitions and conclusions highlighted.
Supplementary information in boxes.

Spis treści:
Bacteriology Paved the Way to Cell Biology: A Historical Account: H G Schlegel, W Kohler.
1. The Prokaryotic Cell: F Mayer.
Cellular and Subcellular Organization of Prokaryotes: F Mayer.
2. Basic Prerequisites for Cellular Live: A Kroger, G Fuchs.
Substrate–Level Phosphorylation: A Kroger.
Electron–Transport–Coupled Phosphorylation: A Kroger.
Multiple Roles of Prokaryotic Cell Membranes: R Kramer.
Growth and Nutrition: G Fuchs, A Kroger.
Biosynthesis of Building Blocks: G Fuchs.
3. Diversity of Metabolic Pathways: G Fuchs.
Assimilation of Macroelements and Microelements: G Fuc hs.
Oxidation of Organic Compounds: G Fuchs.
Oxidation of Inorganic Compounds by Chemolithotrophs: G Kuenen.
Aerobic Respiration and Regulation of Aerobic/Anaerobic Metabolism: G Unden.
Anaerobic Energy Metabolism: W Buckel.
Utilization of Light by Prokaryotes: G Drews.
4. The Genetics of the Prokaryotes and Their Viruses: B Friedrich, J W Lengeler.
DNA, Chromosomes, and Plasmids: W Messer.
The Genetic Information: W Hillen.
Genetic Exchange Between Microorganisms: E Lanka, W Pansegrau.
Recombinant DNA Technology: R Knippers, C–A Alpert.
5. Gene Expression and Regulatory Mechanisms: J W Lengeler.
Regulation of Gene Expression: Operons and Regulons: S Adhya.
Posttranslational Control and Modifications of Proteins: G R Jacobson.
Global Regulatory Networks and Signal Transduction Pathways: J W Lengeler, P W Postma.
Regulation of Fermentation and Respiration: E C C Lin.
6. Cell Growth and Differentiation: G Drews, J W Lengeler.
The Bacterial Cell Cycle: K Nordstrom.
Assembly of Cellular Surface Structures: K Jann, B Jann.
Processes of Cellular Differentiation: G Drews.
Sporulation and Cell Differentiation: M A Marahiel, P Zuber.
Bacteriophages as Models for Differentiation: B Kemper.
Secondary Metabolism in Bacteria: Antibiotic Pathways, Regulation and Function: G Lancini, A L Demain.
Adaptation to Extreme Environments: I R Booth.
7. Diversity and Systematics: E Stackebrandt.
Prokaryotic Diversity and Systematics: E Stackebrandt, B Tindall, W Ludwig, M Goodfellow.
8. Prokaryotes in the Biosphere: B Schink.
Ecophysiology and Ecological Niches of Prokaryotes: B Schink.
Habitats of Prokaryotes: B Schink.
Global Biogeochemical Cycles: B Schink.
9. Applied Microbiology: A Puhler.
Prokaryotes in Medicine: J Hacker.
Prokaryotes in Agriculture: F O′Gara, U B Priefer, D N Dowling, M P Nuti.
Prokaryotes in Industrial Production: H Sahm.
Prokaryotes in Environmental Processes: B Schink.
Prokaryotes and Man: Chances, Promises and Risks: A Puhler.
Index