Microbes : an invisible universe / Howard Gest.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gest, Howard.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Microbiology.

Microbiology--history.

Medical Subjects:

Microbiology.

Microbiology--history.

Physical Description:

xiii, 220 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : ASM Press, [2003]

Summary:

This fascinating volume introduces the general public to the microbial universe, stressing the essential role microbes play in our daily lives. Its 24 chapters explain, in non-technical language, all the important principles of microbiology, the nature of microbial life, and how microbes interact with the environment and with other living organisms, including humans. Designed to educate a diverse readership, Microbes provides the background and basic information needed to develop informed opinions on issues affecting our health and the preservation of the natural biosphere.

Contents:

Leeuwenhoek discovers a new galaxy of organisms

The microbial kingdom has many subjects

Some microbes prefer life without air

Important molecules in microbes, plants, and animals

Where do microbes come from?

How microbes are isolated and identified

The care and feeding of microbes

Hardy survivors in the microbial kingdom

Microbes and the carbon cycle

Bacteria that produce and use methane

Microbes recycle nitrogen

Bacteria spin the sulfur cycle

Extraordinary ecology: an amazing diversity of life styles

Fungi

Bioenergetics: "energy currency"

The roles of vitamins

Microbes and sewage treatment

Infectious diseases: history of the "germ theory"

Three giants of infectious disease research: Pasteur, Koch, and Jenner

Infection and immunity

Viruses confound microbe hunters

Killing unwanted microbes

The central role of DNA: new vistas in microbial biotechnology

Microbes: Earth's first inhabitants.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-213) and index.

ISBN:

1555812643

OCLC:

51764414