SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF MICROBIOLOGY IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT, during their life cycles, microorganisms exhibit developmental changes in common with other organisms. In the last decade interest in this aspect of microbiology has developed greatly, and research findings have provided an understanding of the genetic, molecular and biochemical bases of development. An important stimulus in this research has been the realis ation that microbial development, in its various forms, provides interest ing model systems that have relevance to a much wider understanding of the developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Many undergraduate and other courses in microbiology reflect these developments. Up to now, the only source material for these courses has been symposia publications, or books of a more specialised nature and at an advanced level. The aim in writing this book, which is based on a series of undergraduate lectures given at the University of Nottingham, was to bring together the relevant aspects of the biology of microorganisms, in particular the bacteria and fungi. The algae and protozoa have been excluded, partly because of the limits of space and partly because they are very different from the bacteria and fungi in most aspects of their biology.

"A concise account of what we know about development discusses the first vital steps of growth and explores one of the liveliest areas of scientific research."--P. [2] of cover.

An ever-growing roster of model organisms is a hallmark of 21st century Developmental Biology. Emerging model organisms are well suited to asking some fascinating and important questions that cannot be addressed using established model systems. And new methods are increasingly facilitating the adoption of new research organisms in laboratories. This volume is written by some of the scientists who have played pivotal roles in developing new models or in significantly advancing tools in emerging systems. - Presents some of the most interesting additions to the core set of model organisms - Contains contributions from people who have developed new model systems or advanced tools - Includes personal stories about how and why model systems were developed

Due to its prolific reproduction and the external development of the transparent embryo, the zebrafish is the prime model for genetic and developmental studies, as well as research in genomics. While genetically distant from humans, nonetheless the vertebrate zebrafish has comparable organs and tissues that make it the model organism for study of vertebrate development.This book, one of two new volumes in the Reliable Lab Solutions series dealing with zebrafish, brings together a robust and up-to-date collection of time-tested methods presented by the world's leading scientists. Culled from previously published chapters in Methods in Cell Biology and updated by the original authors where relevant, it provides a comprehensive collection of protocols describing the most widely used techniques relevant to the study of the cellular and developmental biology of zebrafish. The methods in this volume were hand-selected by the editors, whose goal was to a provide a handy and cost-effective collection of fail-safe methods, tips, and "tricks of the trade to both experienced researchers and more junior members in the lab. - Provides busy researchers a quick reference for time-tested methods and protocols that really work, updated where possible by the original authors - Gives pragmatic wisdom to the non-specialist from experts in the field with years of experience with trial and error

Books on both chicken immunology and developmental biology are rare. This one, however, summarizes all aspects of both areas and therefore represents a valuable compendium for experienced researchers as well as for all newcomers to the field. Following a lengthy discussion of the origin of hemopoietic cells, regulatory elements for the differentiation of these cells and B and T cell lymphopoiesis, the book goes on to describe the generation of transgenic chickens as well as an additional basic feature in embryogenesis: the positioning of organ anlage, e.g. the limb bud. To round off, a valuable compilation of monoclonal antibodies further enhances the practical usefulness of this important book.

The study of plant development using molecular and genetic techniques is rapidly becoming one of the most active areas of research on flowering plants. Developmental Biology of Flowering Plants relates classical developmental work with the outstanding problems of the future in the study of plant development. An important feature of this book is the integration of results from molecular and genetic studies on various aspects of plant development in a cellular and physiological context.

"A subject collection from Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology."

Combines an introduction to the molecular and mechanistic basis of human development with classic descriptive embryology. Presents the latest findings in the fields of genetics, cell biology, endocrinology, reproduction, pathology, and anatomy, discussing their effect on human developmental biology. Includes review question with answers. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

‘Developmental biology’ is widely understood as processes, which mainly concern embryonic animal development and differentiation of cells and tissue. It is also often defined as the timeline for the evolutionary developmental biology of eukaryotic multicellular higher organisms, i.e., plants and animals. The development of prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes in contrary has been neglected for a long time, which was the motivation for publishing this book. This book highlights one of Darwin's most important findings: Evolution is a creative, but not a conscious process. It also illustrates that this concept does not only apply to multicellular higher organisms, but affects every form of life. The reader shall find complex biochemical and genetic pathways of bacteria, yeasts or protozoa, comparable to those exhibited by plants or animals. The molecular mechanisms of dramatic genome rearrangements, recombination and horizontal gene transfer that are responsible for evolutionary adaptations are discussed. Additionally, the book covers bacteria of the genera Myxobacteriales and Caulobacterales, which are able to develop tissue-like cellular organization. The morphogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi and the endosymbiont theory are also addressed. The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in bacteriology, protistology and fungal development. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.