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Microbes play an important role in our everyday lives. As agents of infectious disease they cause untold human misery, yet their beneficial activities are manifold, ranging from the natural cycling of chemical elements through to the production of food, beverages and pharmaceuticals. In this introductory level text the authors provide a clear and accessible account of the interactions between microbes, their environment and other organisms, using examples of both beneficial and adverse activities. Microbiology in Action begins by considering beneficial activities, focusing on environmental microbiology and manufacturing, and then moves on to consider some of the more adverse aspects, particularly the myriad of diseases to which we are susceptible and the treatments currently in use. Microbiology in Action is the companion to Introductory Microbiology, also published in this series, and is essential reading for biological science and medical undergraduates, as well as being of interest to sixth form students and their teachers.
Preface
1. The microbiology of soil and nutrient cycling
2. Plant-microbe interactions
3. The microbiology of drinking water
4. Microbial products
5. Food microbiology
6. The human commensal flora
7. Microbial infections
8. Chemotherapy and antibiotic resistance
Further reading
Glossary
Index
"[...] this book has merit in its simple and direct style and will succeed in exciting some of those undergraduates of ability, for whom there is an important role as future microbiologists."
- Charles W. Penn, Trends in Microbiology
"[...] a readily digestible account of the importance of micro-organisms in our world [...] It will also make fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in science."
- R. W. Jones, Biologist
"The book is intended as an introduction for undergraduates on biological and medically-related degrees, as well as for sixth form students and their teachers. It seems ideal for this readership both in its content and in the way it makes microbiology interesting. It will also make fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in science."
- Biologist
