Essential Microbiology

Stuart Hogg , University of Glamorgan, UK

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 the book 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. Now in full colour it makes extensive use of clear line diagrams to clarify sometimes difficult concepts or mechanisms. A companion web site includes further material including MCQs, 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. Students of any life science degree course will find this a concise and valuable introduction to microbiology.

This fully revised comprehensive introductory text provides an ideal entry into the world of microorganisms, considering all aspects of their biology and illustrates the remarkable diversity of microbial life by devoting a chapter to each of the main taxonomic groupings.

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