Bertold Hock – författare

Bioresponse-linked instrumental analysis combines biomolecular recognition, initiating a biological effect in the organism, and chemical analysis. Although this technology is only at its beginning, the power of this approach is obvious. It provides both, information on effects with respect to the applied target structures as well as the chemical structure and concentration of active substances present in a sample. In this book, examples ranging from endocrine disruptors to neurotoxic substances are used to illustrate the principle.

Biosensors combine the power of microelectronics with the selectivity and sensitivity of biological components such as whole cells, organelles or biomolecules, e.g. antibodies, receptors, enzymes and nucleic acids. They are used to detect individual substances or groups of substances in the environment, such as industrial emissions that originate, for instance, from the textile, cellulose and pharmceutical industry as well as from agricultural activities. The biosensor approach is expected not only to provide a significant contribution to measurement technology but also a basis for competent political decisions. Up to now disturbances in lakes and rivers are detected more or less by chance. Essentially, only substances that can be assayed by traditional physico-chemical techniques are found. However, the pollution peak has usually already passed by the time the results become known and acquisition of evidence for the identification of the responsible party is hardly possible after the event. Therefore fast and continuous measurement systems such as biosensors are required to provide inexpensive and cost effective event-related sampling of water thus providing for the preservation of evidence. Biosensors can detect biological effects such as genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and endocrine responses. The sequence of these signals and especially the peak values provide valuable indicators for water protection and facilitate the elaboration of new strategies and concepts within water management. Of major importance is the knowledge of distribution of warning signals within space and time from water ecosystems. Only then can the "health status" of water be recognized sufficiently early.

Bioresponse-linked instrumental analysis combines biomolecular recognition, initiating a biological effect in the organism, and chemical analysis. Although this technology is only at its beginning, the power of this approach is obvious. It provides both, information on effects with respect to the applied target structures as well as the chemical structure and concentration of active substances present in a sample. In this book, examples ranging from endocrine disruptors to neurotoxic substances are used to illustrate the principle.

The second edition of Mycorrhiza falls into a time period of excep­ tionally rapid growth in mycorrhizal research. Therefore the edi­ tors have been most pleased with the decision of the Springer Verlag to revise the first edition and to incorporate the remarkable advances experienced in the mycorrhizal field. The pace of discovery has been particularly fast at the two poles of biological complexity, the molecular events leading to changes in growth and differentiation, as well as the factors regulating the structure and diversity of natural populations and communities. Therefore the most significant changes introduced in the new edition of this book are found within these topics. Not only were many chapters up­ dated, but also new chapters have replaced existing ones. The individual decisions have not been easy, since valuable contribu­ tions had to be sacrificed in favour of new aspects; but the authors hope that a highly topical new edition will be of greatest benefit for a rapidly expanding field of research. We welcome comments and critics from readers. Since it was possible again to find leading scientists as contribu­ tors, we are confident that this revised second edition will stimulate further progress and contribute to a deeper understanding of advances in the mycorrhizal field. We are grateful to the Springer­ Verlag, especially Dr. Dieter Czeschlik, for his continued interest and active help. Dr. Maja Hilber-Bodmer and Dr.

Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. More than 90% of all plant species have the potential to form such associations, which are often essential for optimal plant growth and productivity. Leading experts cover aspects of - structure and function;- molecular biology;- biotechnological applications;- ecophysiology;- systematics.

Biosensors combine the power of microelectronics with the selectivity and sensitivity of biological components such as whole cells, organelles or biomolecules, e.g. antibodies, receptors, enzymes and nucleic acids. They are used to detect individual substances or groups of substances in the environment, such as industrial emissions that originate, for instance, from the textile, cellulose and pharmceutical industry as well as from agricultural activities. The biosensor approach is expected not only to provide a significant contribution to measurement technology but also a basis for competent political decisions. Up to now disturbances in lakes and rivers are detected more or less by chance. Essentially, only substances that can be assayed by traditional physico-chemical techniques are found. However, the pollution peak has usually already passed by the time the results become known and acquisition of evidence for the identification of the responsible party is hardly possible after the event. Therefore fast and continuous measurement systems such as biosensors are required to provide inexpensive and cost effective event-related sampling of water thus providing for the preservation of evidence. Biosensors can detect biological effects such as genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and endocrine responses. The sequence of these signals and especially the peak values provide valuable indicators for water protection and facilitate the elaboration of new strategies and concepts within water management. Of major importance is the knowledge of distribution of warning signals within space and time from water ecosystems. Only then can the "health status" of water be recognized sufficiently early.

WAS IST LEBEN?Die Biologie als die Lehre vom Leben gibt Antwort auf die Fragen "Was sind Lebewesen?" und "Wie unterscheidet sich belebte von unbelebter Materie?"SPEICHERUNG UND WEITERGABE DER GENETISCHEN INFORMATIONDer Bauplan der Lebewesen liegt in der DNA verschlüsselt. Diese wird von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben. Der genetische Code ist universell und ein wichtiger Hinweis auf die Verwandtschaft aller Lebewesen.LEBEWESEN ALS OFFENE, SELBSTERHALTENDE SYSTEMELebewesen befinden sich im Fließgleichgewicht, d. h. es findet ein ständiger Austausch von Energie, Materie und Information mit der Umgebung statt. Die ungeheure Komplexität der Lebewesen ist durch die Hierarchie ihrer biologischen Strukturebenen gegeben, die den hohen Ordnungszustand der lebendigen Systeme bedingt.EVOLUTIONDie biologische Vielfalt auf der Erde resultiert aus der Evolution. Die wesentlichen treibenden Kräfte der Evolution sind zufällige und ungerichtete Veränderungen des Erbguts, bedingt durch Mutation und Gen-Austausch innerhalb der Populationen, Selektion und Reproduktion. Evolutionsstrategie und genetische Algorithmen als Modelle der Evolution nutzen mit Erfolg wesentliche Komponenten des Optimierungsprozesses Evolution für Anwendungen in der Technik und Informatik.

Die Frage "Was ist Leben?" ist eine der grundlegendsten und schwierigsten Fragen überhaupt. Sie hat die Menschheit seit ihren Anfängen beschäftigt. Bertold Hock gibt Antworten aus der Biologie und erklärt, warum die Frage trotz all unseres Wissens nichts von ihrer Aktualität verloren hat.Prof. Dr. Bertold Hock war bis zu seiner Emeritierung im Herbst 2006 Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Zellbiologie an der Technischen Universität München.

Die Frage "Was ist Leben?" ist eine der grundlegendsten und schwierigsten Fragen überhaupt. Sie hat die Menschheit seit ihren Anfängen beschäftigt. Bertold Hock gibt Antworten aus der Biologie und erklärt, warum die Frage trotz all unseres Wissens nichts von ihrer Aktualität verloren hat.Prof. Dr. Bertold Hock war bis zu seiner Emeritierung im Herbst 2006 Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Zellbiologie an der Technischen Universität München.