Essential Microbiology

About this book

Essential Microbiology 2nd 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 Essential Microbiology 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. It makes extensive use of clear line diagrams to clarify sometimes difficult concepts or mechanisms. Each chapter ends with a short answer quiz, 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.

Contents

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

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