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.
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
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