Introduced by Crafoord Prize winner Carl Woese, this volumecombines reviews of the major developments in archaeal researchover the past 10–15 years with more specialized articlesdealing with important recent breakthroughs. Drawing on majorthemes presented at the June 2005 meeting held in Munich to honorthe archaea pioneers Wolfram Zillig and Karl O. Stetter, the bookprovides a thorough survey of the field from its controversialbeginnings to its ongoing expansion to include aspects ofeukaryotic biology. The editors have assembled articles from the premier researchersin this rapidly burgeoning field, including an account by CarlWoese of his original discovery of the Archaea (until 1990 termedarchaebacteria) and the initially mixed reactions of the scientificcommunity. The review chapters and specialized articles address theemerging significance of the Archaea within a broader scientificand technological context, and include accounts of cutting-edgeresearch developments. The book spans archaeal evolution,physiology, and molecular and cellular biology and will be anessential reference for both graduate students and researchers.

This title is an essential primer for all students who need some background in microbiology and want to become familiar with the universal importance of bacteria for all forms of life. Written by Gerhard Gottschalk, Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and one of the most prominent microbiologists in our time, this text covers the topic in its whole breadth and does not only focus on bacteria as pathogens. The book is written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style but each chapter also contains a `facts' section with compact text and diagrams for easy learning. In addition, more than 40 famous scientists, including several Nobel Prize winners, contributed sections, written specifically for this title. The book comes with color figures and a companion website with questions and answers. Key features: Unique, introductory text offering a comprehensive overview of the astonishing variety and abilities of Bacteria Easy-to-read, fascinating and educational Written by one of the best known microbiologists of our time Color images throughout Each chapter has a compact tutorial part with schemes on the biochemistry and metabolic pathways of Bacteria Comes with a companion website with questions and answers

This volume provides an overview of well-established methods optimized for diverse archaeal model organisms and is a source of protocols facilitating access to the molecular and cellular biology characterization of these fascinating organisms. Chapters are divided into five parts detailing available genetic tools, molecular and cellular biology methods, strategies to study the ecophysiology of archaea, and classroom protocol. Each main thematic part is also introduced by future-oriented and authoritative primers. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Archaea: Methods and Protocols aims to be a foundation for future studies and to be a source of inspiration for new investigations in the field.

First comprehensive, beginning graduate level book on the emergent science of astrobiology.

This is the second of a divided two-part softcover edition of the "Lectures in Astrobiology Volume I" containing the sections "General Introduction", "From Prebiotic Chemistry to the Origin of Life on Earth" and "Appendices" including an extensive glossary on Astrobiology. "Lectures in Astrobiology" is the first comprehensive textbook at graduate level encompassing all aspects of the emerging field of astrobiology. Volume I of the Lectures in Astrobiology gathers a first set of extensive lectures that cover a broad range of topics, from the formation of solar systems to the quest for the most primitive life forms that emerged on the Early Earth.

"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.

The protocols in these three books are selected to provide a detailed guide to experiments with the methanogenic, extremely halophilic, and thermophilic sulfur-utilizing Archaea, with overviews to highlight areas of future development. The individual protocols consist of an introduction describing the specific applications of the techniques, step-by-step procedures for applying the protocols, followed by any additional comments that will facilitate successful application of the protocol. A feature of research in this area is the interplay between microbiology, bioengineering, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and authors from all of these fields have been selected to provide these three concise and comprehensive resources for scientists interested in conducting research on the Archaea.

The Archaea are a group of single-celled micro-organisms. They have no cell nucleus or any other organelles within their cells. In the past they were viewed as an unusual group of bacteria and named archaebacteria but since the Archaea have an independent evolutionary history and show many differences in their biochemistry from other forms of life, they are now classified as a separate domain in the three-domain system. Archaea include micro-organisms adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, including some of the most hostile locations on Earth. This book presents current research in the study of Archaea from across the globe, including the Archaeal flagellum; the Archaea ribonuclease P; mechanosensitive channels in Archaea; and the physiology, genomics and phylogeny of nanoarchaeota.

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.