Eukaryotic Microbes


Book Description

Eukaryotic Microbes presents chapters hand-selected by the editor of the Encyclopedia of Microbiology, updated whenever possible by their original authors to include key developments made since their initial publication. The book provides an overview of the main groups of eukaryotic microbes and presents classic and cutting-edge research on content relating to fungi and protists, including chapters on yeasts, algal blooms, lichens, and intestinal protozoa. This concise and affordable book is an essential reference for students and researchers in microbiology, mycology, immunology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. Written by recognized authorities in the field Includes all major groups of eukaryotic microbes, including protists, fungi, and microalgae Covers material pertinent to a wide range of students, researchers, and technicians in the field




Metalloids in Plants


Book Description

Understanding metalloids and the potential impact they can have upon crop success or failure Metalloids have a complex relationship with plant life. Exhibiting a combination of metal and non-metal characteristics, this small group of elements – which includes boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and tellurium (Te) – may hinder or enhance the growth and survival of crops. The causes underlying the effects that different metalloids may have upon certain plants range from genetic variance to anatomical factors, the complexities of which can pose a challenge to botanists and agriculturalists of all backgrounds. With Metalloids in Plants, a group of leading plant scientists present a complete guide to the beneficial and adverse impacts of metalloids at morphological, anatomical, biochemical, and molecular levels. Insightful analysis of data on genetic regulation helps to inform the optimization of farming, indicating how one may boost the uptake of beneficial metalloids and reduce the influence of toxic ones. Contained within this essential new text, there are: Expert analyses of the role of metalloids in plants, covering their benefits as well as their adverse effects Explanations of the physiological, biochemical, and genetic factors at play in plant uptake of metalloids Outlines of the breeding and genetic engineering techniques involved in the generation of resistant crops Written for students and professionals in the fields of agriculture, botany, molecular biology, and biotechnology, Metalloids in Plants is an invaluable overview of the relationship between crops and these unusual elements.




Microbiology


Book Description

"Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology's art program enhances students' understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs. Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology."--BC Campus website.




Sexual Interactions in Eukaryotic Microbes


Book Description

Sexual Interactions in Eukaryotic Microbes provides a comprehensive discussion of the sexual processes of eukaryotic microorganisms. The book is organized into three parts. Part I presents an overview of intercellular communication, covering the modes of cellular communication and the benefit of using eukaryotic microbes for studying cell communication. Part II on pheromonal interactions includes studies on the role of sex pheromones in organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Allomyces, Volvox, and Neurospora crassa. Part III on cell surface interactions presents studies such as sexual interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; sexual interactions of the cell surface in Paramecium; and the genetics and cellular biology of sexual development in Ustilago violacea. This book will be of value on a multitude of levels: from a general reference text to a source of research ideas. It will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers in a large number of disciplines, but will be particularly useful to cell biologists, microbiologists, protozoologists, and mycologists interested in the study of cellular communication.




Evolution of Virulence in Eukaryotic Microbes


Book Description

A unique and timely review of the emergence of eukaryotic virulence in fungi, oomycetes, and protozoa, as they affect both animals and plants Evolution of Virulence in Eukaryotic Microbes addresses new developments in defining the molecular basis of virulence in eukaryotic pathogens. By examining how pathogenic determinants have evolved in concert with their hosts, often overcoming innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, the book takes a fresh look at the selective processes that have shaped their evolution. Introductory chapters ground the reader in principal evolutionary themes such as phylogenetics and genetic exchange, building a basis of knowledge for later chapters covering advances in genetic tools, how pathogens exchange genetic material in nature, and the common themes of evolutionary adaptation that lead to disease in different hosts. With the goal of linking the research findings of the many disparate scientific communities in the field, the book: Assembles for the first time a collection of chapters on the diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms and the influence of evolutionary forces on the origins and emergence of their virulent attributes Highlights examples from three important, divergent groups of eukaryotic microorganisms that cause disease in animals and plants: oomycetes, protozoan parasites, and fungi Covers how the development of genetic tools has fostered the identification and functional analyses of virulence determinants Addresses how pathogens exchange genetic material in nature via classical or modified meiotic processes, horizontal gene transfer, and sexual cycles including those that are cryptic or even unisexual Provides a broad framework for formulating future studies by illustrating themes common to different pathogenic microbes Evolution of Virulence in Eukaryotic Microbes is an ideal book for microbiologists, evolutionary biologists and medical professionals, as well as graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members working on the evolution of pathogens.




Microbiology: A Very Short Introduction


Book Description

In recent decades we have come to realize that the microbial world is hugely diverse, and can be found in the most extreme environments. Fungi, single-celled protists, bacteria, archaea, and the vast array of viruses and sub-viral particles far outnumber plants and animals. Microbes, we now know, play a critical role in ecosystems, in the chemistry of atmosphere and oceans, and within our bodies. The field of microbiology, armed with new techniques from molecular biology, is now one of the most vibrant in the life sciences. In this Very Short Introduction Nicholas P. Money explores not only the traditional methods of microscopy and laboratory culture but also the modern techniques of genetic detection and DNA sequencing, genomic analysis, and genetic manipulation. In turn he demonstrates how advances in microbiology have had a tremendous impact on the areas of medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.




Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology


Book Description

Written by leading experts in their respective fields, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology 3e, provides a comprehensive, balanced introduction to soil microbiology, and captures the rapid advances in the field such as recent discoveries regarding habitats and organisms, microbially mediated transformations, and applied environmental topics. Carefully edited for ease of reading, it aids users by providing an excellent multi-authored reference, the type of book that is continually used in the field. Background information is provided in the first part of the book for ease of comprehension. The following chapters then describe such fundamental topics as soil environment and microbial processes, microbial groups and their interactions, and thoroughly addresses critical nutrient cycles and important environmental and agricultural applications. An excellent textbook and desk reference, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, 3e, provides readers with broad, foundational coverage of the vast array of microorganisms that live in soil and the major biogeochemical processes they control. Soil scientists, environmental scientists, and others, including soil health and conservation specialists, will find this material invaluable for understanding the amazingly diverse world of soil microbiology, managing agricultural and environmental systems, and formulating environmental policy. - Includes discussion of major microbial methods, embedded within topical chapters - Includes information boxes and case studies throughout the text to illustrate major concepts and connect fundamental knowledge with potential applications - Study questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to evaluate their understanding of the materials




Atlas of Oral Microbiology: From Healthy Microflora to Disease


Book Description

This book is the second edition of Atlas of Oral Microbiology: From Healthy Microflora to Disease (ISBN 978-0-12-802234-4), with two new features: we add about 60 pictures of 14 newly isolated microbes from human dental plaque, at the same time, we re-organize the content of this book and provide more research progress about the oral microbiome bank of China, the invasion of oral microbiota into the gut, and the relationships between Oral Microflora and Human Diseases. This book is keeping up with the advanced edge of the international research field of oral microbiology. It innovatively gives us a complete description of the oral microbial systems according to different oral ecosystems. It collects a large number of oral microbial pictures, including cultural pictures, colonies photos, and electron microscopy photos. It is by far the most abundant oral microbiology atlas consists of the largest number of pictures. In the meantime, it also described in detail a variety of experimental techniques, including microbiological isolation, culture, and identification. It is an atlas with strong practical function. The editors and writers of this book have long been engaged in teaching and research work in oral microbiology and oral microecology. This book deserves a broad audience, and it will meet the needs of researchers, clinicians, teachers, and students major in biology, dental medicine, basic medicine, or clinical medicine. It can also be used to facilitate teaching and international academic exchanges.




Concepts of Biology


Book Description

Black & white print. Concepts of Biology is designed for the typical introductory biology course for nonmajors, covering standard scope and sequence requirements. The text includes interesting applications and conveys the major themes of biology, with content that is meaningful and easy to understand. The book is designed to demonstrate biology concepts and to promote scientific literacy.




Lipids and Biomembranes of Eukaryotic Microorganisms


Book Description

Lipids and Biomembranes of Eukaryotic Microorganisms synthesizes the state of knowledge for eukaryotic microorganisms and relates this knowledge to microbial membranes. This book examines each of the major classes of lipids—sterols, fatty acids, phospholipids, and sulfolipids—separately. In each case an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive summary and to evaluate critically the literature on the occurrence and biosynthesis of these compounds in yeasts, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Physiological functions of these lipids, particularly their role in the membranes of the organisms, are described. In some cases attention has been called to the possible usefulness of lipids as taxonomic criteria. Experimental systems for studying the relation between the structure of lipids and their function in biomembranes are also discussed. These systems include the photosynthetic membranes in organisms such as Euglena, Chlorella, and Chlamydomonas in which the formation of the chloroplasts is susceptible to experimental control; and fatty acid auxotrophic mutants of yeasts and Neurospora in which the fatty acid composition of the membrane lipids can be altered by the experimenter. This book will be of use to lipid biochemists, microbial physiologists, taxonomists, and cell biologists who are interested in the molecular aspects of biomembranes.