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A single-source reference on the biology of algae, this new edition examines the most important taxa and structures for freshwater, marine, and terrestrial forms of algae. Its comprehensive coverage goes from algae's historical role through its taxonomy and ecology to its natural product possibilities. Algae: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology's unifying theme is on the important role of algae in the earth's self-regulating life support system and its function within restorative models of planetary health. It also discusses algae's biotechnological applications, including potential nutritional and pharmaceutical products.
Since the seven years the first edition was published the authors have built up a large amount of new material and data in the field of algology, based on their experiences in reading, writing, and reviewing. With the aid of all this information, they have completely revised the book, introducing the following changes and additions:
- 27 new figures for a total of 205 figures, many of them in colour
- All the 38 tables have been revised and rewritten
- updated literature in all chapters
- an entirely new chapter on how odd algae can be
- Chapter 1 has been rewritten, updating the classification of algae and modifying the section on the endosymbiosis and origin of eukaryotic photosynthesis
- Chapter 2 has been expanded, adding new types of root systems and algal swimming patterns and modifying the section on photoreception and photoreceptors
- Chapter 3 has been updated, adding absorption spectra measured on samples from all algal divisions together with their decomposition in pigments. The absorption spectra of all the chlorophylls and the accessory pigments have also been added
- Notation and wording of Chapters 4 and 5 has been modified
- The section on collection storage and preservation in Chapter 6 has been expanded, adding new information on automatic algae recognition and classification
- Chapter 7 has been rewritten, updating the section on algal toxins and algal bioactive molecules
- Numerous errors in the first edition have been corrected.
General Overview
- Definition
- Classification
- Occurrence and Distribution
- Structure of Thallus–Cytomorphological Types
- Nutrition
- Reproduction
- Summaries of the 11 Algal Phyla
- Endosymbiosis and Origin of Eukaryotic Photosynthesis
Anatomy
- Cytomorphology and Ultrastructure
- Outside the Cell
- Flagella and Associated Structures
- The photoreceptor Apparata
- Chloroplasts
- The Nucleus, Nuclear Division, and Cytokinesis
- Ejectile Organelles and Feeding Apparatus
Photosynthesis
- Light
- Photosynthesis
- Light-dependent Reactions
- Light-Independent Reactions
- The Energy Relationships in Photosynthesis: The Balance Sheet
Working with Light
- How Light Behaves
- Field instruments, Use and Application
- Radiometry
- Photometry
- Units conversion
- PAR Detectors
- The Photosynthesis–Irradiance Response Curve (P vs E Curve)
- Photoacclimation
Biogeochemical Role of Algae
- The Role of Algae in Biogeochemistry
- Limiting Nutrients
- Algae and the Phosphorus Cycle
- Algae and the Nitrogen Cycle
- Algae and the Silicon Cycle
- Algae and the Sulfur Cycle
- Algae and the Oxygen–Carbon Cycles
Algal Culturing
- Collection, Storage, and Preservation
- Culture Types
- Culture Parameters
- Culture Vessels
- Media Choice and Preparation
- Sterilization of Culture Materials
Culture Methods
- Outdoor Ponds
- Photobioreactors
- Quantitative Determinations of Algal Density and Growth
Algae Utilization
- Introduction
- Sources and Uses of Algae
- Human food
- Animal feed
- Extracts
- Fertilizers
- Cosmetics
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
- Toxins
Oddities and Curiosities in the Algal World
- In the Realm of Darkness
- Algae–Animal Interaction: Riding a Sloth, Swinging on a Spider Web, Swimming in a Jelly
- Someone Like it Cold
- Someone Like it Hot
- Someone Like it Dry
Dr. Paolo Gualtieri graduated in biology and computer science from the University of Pisa, Italy. At present, he is a senior scientist at the Biophysics Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) in Pisa, Italy, and an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, University College, College Park, USA. He is a professional orchestral trumpet player.
Dr. Laura Barsanti graduated in natural science from the University of Pisa, Italy. At present, she is a scientist at the Biophysics Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) in Pisa (Italy).
Praise for the first edition:
" [...] stands out for its in-depth information on structural and mechanical anatomy, with flagella as the most prominent example. The meticulous and elegant drawings of algal apparatuses and their mechanics make it easy to understand complex structures and functions, as well as constitutes another outstanding feature of this book."
– Senjie Lin, Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 81, December 2006
"Not intended to be comprehensive, this text is nonetheless packed with information on the general biology, anatomy, phylogeny, biochemistry, and culture of algae. The chapters [...] provide practical information and an excellent demonstration of the application of scientific knowledge. Highly recommended for students and experts alike [...] "
– Southeastern Naturalist, Vol. 5, No. 2, 2006
" [...] a good book, which presents well, is well put together and does deliver its objectives as stated in the preface."
– Philip S Manson, Convance Laboratories Ltd., in BTS Newsletter, Winter 2007, No. 31
" [...] the authors concentrate on highlighting interesting and illuminating topics, with the idea of inciting the sort of wonder and curiosity that will encourage further outstanding research."
– Willem F. Prud'homme van Reine, in Blumea, 2006, Vol. 51, No. 3
