Introduction To Microorganisms

"Microorganisms include bacteria, actinomycetes, yeasts, molds, and viruses, among which bacteria are the most prevalent in nature, accounting for 90%-95% of microorganisms. Some microorganisms are visible to the naked eye, such as mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, etc. Other microorganisms are "acellular organisms" composed of a few components, such as nucleic acids and proteins. Microorganisms are tiny and closely related to humans, comprised of a variety of beneficial and harmful species. The new coronavirus (2019-nCOV) that broke out in 2019 is a large virus family that is highly infectious. The rapid spread of 2019-nCOV globally has made the public recognize the importance of microorganisms in medicine, as well as their involvement in food, industry, agriculture, environmental protection, sports and many other fields. The present book revolves around the introduction to microorganisms and reviews relevant achievements in the field. The book is arranged in six important sections, including (i) quantitative optical microscopy in microbiology, (ii) introduction to important yeast genera in food biotechnology, (iii) nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion by rhizobia with major emphasis on soybeans in Asia, (iv) endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and its interaction with horticultural plants, (v) biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tropical Indonesia, and (vi) root rot and continuous cropping obstacles. This book provides important support for graduate students and researchers in the study of microorganisms while summarizing some new advances, particularly in rhizobia"--

"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.

Potential benefits from the use of genetically modified organismsâ€"such as bacteria that biodegrade environmental pollutantsâ€"are enormous. To minimize the risks of releasing such organisms into the environment, regulators are working to develop rational safeguards. This volume provides a comprehensive examination of the issues surrounding testing these organisms in the laboratory or the field and a practical framework for making decisions about organism release. Beginning with a discussion of classical versus molecular techniques for genetic alteration, the volume is divided into major sections for plants and microorganisms and covers the characteristics of altered organisms, past experience with releases, and such specific issues as whether plant introductions could promote weediness. The executive summary presents major conclusions and outlines the recommended decision-making framework.

The book brings together information on the widest range of topics in microbiology in a single source. Written in a concise manner and ideally suited for students and teachers at colleges, this book discusses microbiology in sufficient depth. Elaborate illustrations are provided for easy understanding of the subject. The text includes immunology, biology and infectious disease principles.

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.