Wiley Series in Ecological and Applied Microbiology – serie

BACTERIAL ADHESION Molecular and Ecological Diversity Edited byMadilyn Fletcher Over the last twenty years, research has revealed the enormouscomplexity underlying the phenomenon of bacterial adhesion. Theinitial research goal was to understand the mechanism of attachmentand its effects on the bacteria as well as the host. As researchprogressed, however, it became evident that many differentattachment mechanisms exist. These diverse forms of adhesion arethe results of numerous evolutionary pressures, and each may bepart of a larger behavioral strategy. This comprehensive overview details how diversity in habitat andecological requirements has led to enormous variety in adhesivecell components, underlying genetic determinants, and behavioralstrategies. It presents the latest research on adhesion mechanismsand strategies found in diverse environments and microorganisms,including the new environment of biomaterials. Bacterial Adhesion: Molecular and Ecological Diversity examinesadhesion as a strategy for nutrient access and as a phase in thecomplex behavior of life cycle processes. It covers the latestresearch and innovative approaches in the field, including:* Conceptual advances in research on the adhesion of bacteria tooral surfaces* Enhancing colonization in a fluctuating environment* The cellulosome: a cell-surface organelle for the adhesion to anddegradation of cellulose* Pseudomonas aeruginosa--versatile attachment mechanisms* Sensing, response, and adaptation to surfaces* Myxococcus coadhesion and role in the life cycle Edited by a leading authority on bacterial adhesion and featuringcontributions from the field's leading experts, this book speaks toresearchers in all areas of microbiology, biotechnology,environmental technology, and environmental science, as well asurology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Bacterial Adhesion: Molecular and Ecological Diversity is thelatest addition to the Wiley Series in Ecological and AppliedMicrobiology. Recent books in the series include:* Microbial Transformation and Degradation of Toxic OrganicChemicals edited by Lily Y. Young and Carl E. Cerniglia* Wastewater Microbiology by Gabriel Bitton* Environmental Microbiology edited by Ralph Mitchell* Biotechnology in Plant Disease Control edited by Ilan Chet* Antarctic Microbiology edited by E. Imre Friedmann* Effects of Acid Rain on Forest Processes edited by Douglas L.Godbold and Aloys Huttermann

Extremophiles are life-forms that thrive under some of the harshestconditions found on Earth. This resource provides a detailedoverview of the current state of knowledge about this fascinatinggroup of life-forms. Over the course of 11 contributed chapters, 26experts from around the globe identify known extremophiles, exploretheir unique ecologies and physiologies, and discuss current andfuture biotechnological applications. Providing the most up-to-date coverage available of this rapidlyadvancing field, this book:* Combines the latest research finding with informed speculationabout extremophile evolution, ecology, physiology, andgenetics* Covers all types of extremophiles, including hyperthermophiles,psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliophiles, andanaerobic extremophiles* Explores current and future industrial applications, such asalkaliophile bioenergetics, metal recovery, and toxic wastedisposal

Biodiversity of Microbial Life places the importance and novelty of the diversity of the microbial world in perspective with the biodiversity of plants and animals. Microbial diversity has driven the evolution of all life on Earth as well as the nutrient cycles, which are key to the operation of the biosphere. Microorganisms live in all ecosystems, even extreme environments not habitable to other organisms. Noted experts including Carl Woese, the originator of the Tree of Life, and Rita Colwell, who is now Director of the National Science Foundation, offer their unique perspectives on the extent and importance of microbial biodiversity. Special emphasis is placed on:* Evolution, speciation, and contrasts between microbial biodiversity and plant and animal biodiversity* Physiological and metabolic diversity of microorganisms* Biodiversity of microbial life in terrestrial and marine environments* Symbioses between microorganisms and plants, insects, and humans* Extreme environments populated exclusively or primarily by microorganisms including thermal vents and hot springs, polar sea ice environments, and subterranean ecosystems* Microorganisms and biotechnology Biodiversity of Microbial Life is an essential resource for all biologists interested in biodiversity.

Wiley Series in Ecological and Applied Microbiology, Ralph Mitchell, Series EditorMicrobial ecology is now recognized to be fundamental for understanding the natural world around us and is essential for examining life in the oceans. For the first time, this book brings together international experts to explore the incredibly diverse collection of microbes (and viruses) found in the oceans and to dissect many of the processes mediated by these microbes in aquatic environments. Although the oceans are emphasized, the organisms and processes discussed in the book occur in nearly all natural environments, including rivers and lakes.Microbial Ecology of the Oceans reviews some basics of marine microbiology andprovides a foundation for researchers and students new to the field while also examining several questions currently being discussed in modern microbial ecology. The book brings together concepts from autoecological studies of individual bacterial groups and from ecological studies of microbial assemblages in the oceans. In addition to drawing on the rich history of microbiology, Microbial Ecology of the Oceans uses the latest advances in biological and chemical oceanography and limnology to examine the role of marine microbes and viruses in the oceans. Some of the topics covered by this informative book include:* Microbial evolution, as revealed by molecular techniques* Microbes in carbon budgets and cycles* Viruses and grazers of bacteria* Competition between bacteria and phytoplankton for limited nutrientsMarine symbiosisMicrobial Ecology of the Oceans elucidates the role of microbes in food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. It will prove to be an indispensable resource for students and researchers in biological and chemical oceanography, geochemistry, marine chemistry, freshwater ecology, and microbiology.Also in this series: Biofilms II: Analysis, Process, and Applications, James D. Bryers; Extremophiles: Microbial Life in Extreme Environments, Koki Horikoshi, William D. Grant; Wastewater Microbiology, Second Edition, Gabriel Bitton