Microbiology

by Slonczewski, Joan L.

• ISBN13: 9780393978575
• ISBN10: 0393978575
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-02-01
• Publisher: W W NORTON

Summary

Microbiology: An Evolving Science promotes a clear understanding of this rapidly advancing field in two distinctive ways. First, an emphasis on current research, genomics, and molecular genetics enables students to learn how microbiologists think as they master the discipline's foundational topics. Second, a stunning and consistently executed art program helps students visualize key microbiological processes and structures. Click here to see the full title details on the Norton Website.

Table of Contents

The Microbial Cell

Microbial Life

Origin and Discovery

Presents the history of microbial discovery from ancient times up to the present day

Including twentieth-century discoverers of gene cloning

The archaeal domain, and the ubiquity of horizontal gene transfer

Observing the Microbial Cell

Presents microscopy as the key tool of microbial discovery

From an in-depth treatment of light microscopy and electron microscopy to examples of confocal fluorescence and scanning probe microscopy

In-depth coverage of microscopy helps the student evaluate models of the cell presented in Part II

Genes and Genomes, and Part III, Metabolism and Biochemistry

Cell Structure and Function

Emphasizes the functional unity of the cell, from envelope to nucleoid

Coverage includes envelope diversity (Gram positive, Gram negative, mycobacteria, and archaea)

Up-to-date models of the prokaryotic cytoskeleton, and nucleoid organization

The organization of DNA and RNA synthesis points to detailed exploration in Part II

Bacterial culture, Growth, and Development

Introduces the fundamental classes of metabolism, to be developed further in Part III

Developmental diversity includes biofilm formation, sporulation, and multicellular fruiting body cycles

Environmental Influence and Control of Microbial Growth

Presents extreme environments and microbial adaptations, as well as practical applications for control

Environmental topics are further explored in Part IV

Microbial Diversity and Ecology, while pathogens and their control are pursued in Part V

Medicine and Immunology

Virus Structure and Function

Includes up-to-date visualization methods such as cryo-EM as well as fluorescent-focus assays

Viral genetics is introduced in preparation for the key roles viruses play in microbial genetics, which is covered in Part II

Genes and Genomes

Genomes and Chromosomes

Presents the structure and function of microbial DNA

Emphasizing unity of mechanism as well as diversity of genome structure

Such as the existence of multiple linear and circular

Chromosomes within some bacteria

Transcription, Translation, and Bioinformatics

Presents gene expression, from transcription and translation through chaperone-assisted folding and transmembrane secretion

It also describes how knowledge of genes and proteins led to the science of bioinformatics

Gene Transfer, Mutations, and Genome Evolution

Emphasizes the multiple means of prokaryotic gene transfer, including its relevance to the evolution of pathogens and hosts

Intriguing variations include the role of the transformation apparatus in enabling bacteria to consume DNA for energy

Molecular Regulation

Presents current models of molecular regulation

With relevance to survival in natural ecosystems and in host organisms

Viral Molecular Biology

Treats examples of viruses in depth

Emphasizing diversity of molecular mechanisms

Such as primers consisting of host-derived proteins or transfer RNA

Molecular Techniques and Biotechnology

Presents research approaches and practical examples of applying molecular genetics to microbial discovery

Metabolism and Biochemistry

Energetics and Catabolism

Presents the thermodynamic basis of microbial energetics, including emerging catabo

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