Essential Microbiology

Essential Microbiology second edition is a fully revised comprehensive introductory text aimed at students taking a first course in the subject. It provides an ideal entry into the world of microorganisms, considering all aspects of their biology (structure, metabolism, genetics), and illustrates the remarkable diversity of microbial life by devoting a chapter to each of the main taxonomic groupings. The second part of the book introduces the reader to aspects of applied microbiology, exploring the involvement of microorganisms in areas as diverse as food and drink production, genetic engineering, global recycling systems and infectious disease. Essential Microbiology explains the key points of each topic but avoids overburdening the student with unnecessary detail. Now in full colour it makes extensive use of clear line diagrams to clarify sometimes difficult concepts or mechanisms. A companion web site includes further material including MCQs, enabling the student to assess their understanding of the main concepts that have been covered. This edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect the developments that have occurred in recent years and includes a completely new section devoted to medical microbiology. Students of any life science degree course will find this a concise and valuable introduction to microbiology.

Preface to Second Edition vii Preface to First Edition ix Acknowledgements xi About the Companion Website xiii I Introduction 1 Microbiology: What, Why and How? 3 2 Biochemical Principles 19 3 Cell Structure and Organisation 53 II Microbial Nutrition, Growth and Metabolism 4 Microbial Nutrition and Cultivation 83 5 Microbial Growth 97 6 Microbial Metabolism 115 III Microbial Diversity 7 Prokaryote Diversity 171 8 The Fungi 203 9 The Protista 217 10 Viruses 243 IV Microbial Genetics 11 Microbial Genetics 271 12 Microorganisms in Genetic Engineering 319 V Microorganisms in the Environment 13 Microbial Associations 345 14 Microorganisms in the Environment 357 VI Medical Microbiology 15 Human Microbial Diseases 375 16 The Control of Microorganisms 403 17 Antimicrobial Agents 419 VII Microorganisms in Industry 18 Industrial and Food Microbiology 449 Glossary 467 Further Reading 485 Index 491

Stuart Hogg , University of Glamorgan, UK