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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Microbiology (non-medical) > Bacteriology
The ability of pathogenic bacteria to adapt to various chemical,
biochemical and physical conditions within the human host and their
ability to respond to stresses generated in these environments is a
central feature of infectious diseases and the outcome of bacterial
infection. This book covers the key aspects of this rapidly
developing field, including the generation of stresses by the host
immune system, bacterial response to reactive chemicals, and
adaptation to environmental conditions of anatomical niches such as
the gut, mouth and urogenital tract. It also addresses the
increasing importance of different metal ions in the pathogenesis
and survival of specific bacteria. With chapters by active research
experts in the field, the book provides a comprehensive outline of
the current understanding of this field, the latest developments
and where future research is likely to be directed.
Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Bacteria form
a fundamental branch of life. They are the oldest forms of life as
we know it, and they are still the most prolific living organisms.
They inhabit every part of the Earth's surface, its ocean depths,
and even terrains such as boiling hot springs. They are most
familiar as agents of disease, but benign bacteria are critical to
the recycling of elements and all ecology, as well as to human
health. In this Very Short Introduction, Sebastian G. B. Amyes
explores the nature of bacteria, their origin and evolution,
bacteria in the environment, and bacteria and disease. In this new
edition, he examines the ethical implications of synthetic
bacteria, the evolving technologies used to combat antibiotics
resistance, and the role bacteria play in the evolutionary
development of humans. 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.
The use of DNA arrays and proteomics will transform the scale of our ability to describe the patterns of gene expression as bacteria respond to their environments. However, the ability to control bacteria in a clinical context or exploit them in industrial or environmental contexts also depends on understanding the regulatory mechanisms which connect input experience to output response at the genetic level. This book deals with our current knowledge of the circuits and networks that govern bacterial gene expression--from the single gene to the whole genome--and which provide the framework for explaining the data from the post genomics revolution.
Vast numbers of different prokaryotic microorganisms shape the
biosphere, with diverse metabolic capabilities. Determination of
genome sequences for a wide range of bacteria and archaea now
requires an in-depth knowledge of prokaryotic metabolic function to
give biochemical, physiological and ecological meaning to the
genomic information. This new edition describes up-to-date
knowledge of the key metabolic processes that occur under different
conditions, and the cellular processes that determine prokaryotic
roles in the environment, biotechnology and human health. Essential
for students of microbiology, applied microbiology, biotechnology,
genomics and systems biology, this advanced textbook covers
prokaryotic structure, composition, nutrient transport,
biosynthesis and growth. Newly characterised metabolic pathways are
included, as well as the latest understanding of metabolic
regulation and stress responses. Additionally, the link between
energetics, growth and survival is discussed as well as the
maintenance of genetic integrity by the bacterial immune system.
Enterobacter is a relatively lesser known member of family
Enterobacteriaceae with at least fifteen species more or less
involved in different human infections. As little knowledge is
available about its pathogenicity and virulence factors, this
compilation discusses the factors and genes involved. The plants
and microbes with antimicrobial potential in the synthesis of
nanoparticles for the control of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae are
highlighted, and the authors discuss how, to overcome the
complexities regarding antibiotic therapies and multiple drug
resistance, there is a dire need to develop some novel clinical
approaches and strategies. The factors causing multi-drug
resistance are highlighted, including under or overuse of
antibiotics, prolonged use of antibiotics, poor infection control,
poor hygiene and sanitation.
Since the appearance of Darwin's book, "The Origin of Species,"
adaptation is one of the processes that explains the diversity of
species in ecosystems. Adaptive phenomena in the 19th century and
until the mid-20th century have been analyzed in macroscopic
biological systems, however since the second half of the 20th
century and to date the development of disciplines such as
Molecular Biology, has allowed us to delve into the mechanisms that
regulate cell physiology. The molecular bases that allow explaining
the adaptation processes of microorganisms to their environment
have special relevance, because through their analysis it is
possible to size the complexity of these mechanisms that involve
receptors of a protein nature associated with transduction chains
that transport the information flow to genomic DNA, and which
subsequently involves the emission of a response through the
expression of specific genes. From the point of view of the
adaptive phenomenon analysis, the approach through the molecular
bases makes it possible to understand the enormous diversity of the
microbial world. Mainly for two reasons, on the one hand the
presence of micro gradients in the bacterial ecological niches that
are continuously fluctuating, which forces the microorganisms to a
rapid adaptation phenomenon. And on the other hand, horizontal gene
transfer phenomena, which allow bacteria the information exchange.
These two elements carry great intensity in establishing new
relationships. This phenomenon is especially relevant if it is
related to a concept that Darwin cites in the Origin of Species,
"The tangled riverbank", where it is emphasized that the new
interactions establishment is the basic driving force for the new
species generation. This mechanism is explained by the positive
feedback loop generation, whereby ecosystems with high levels of
biological diversity generate new interactions that lead to new
species, which in turn tends to make the ecosystem network more
complex. This complexity analyzed in its molecular bases allows to
generate new research questions that can be applied to other
knowledge areas, such as Biotechnology. The analysis of the
molecular bases of the microorganisms adequacy, makes it possible
to identify and characterize mechanisms that implemented in
different pharmaceutical areas and agricultural industry has led to
the product generation with high added value, a clear example of
this economic development is the enzyme industry and even
recombinant protein production. Finally, it is convenient to
emphasize the need to incorporate the analysis of the molecular
bases of adaptation from the perspective of omics techniques.
Techniques that allow the study of processes and mechanisms to be
approached from a global perspective. This book summarizes some
topics of special relevance referring to adaptive processes of
different microorganisms of special relevance both in basic and
applied research.
It is surprising how little is actually known about the fate of
wastewater bacteria once they enter the sea. This wide-ranging work
is one of the first to unravel the mechanisms determining bacterial
sensitivity or survival under these conditions.
Plasmids are closed, circular pieces of DNA that are able to
self--replicate and are carried by many bacteria. They provide
unique functions for bacteria by allowing them to sexually
replicate and to pass on genetic material between each other.
Plasmids are also responsible for the genetic factors that give
resistance to antibiotics, and provide the enzymes needed to break
down poorly metabolised food resources. The author has provided an
updated treatment of the structure, function and application of
plasmids suitable for undergraduates and medical students.
Employing an original teaching perspective----examining plasmids as
living organisms with either a symbiotic or parasitic mode of
survival----this text provides an important framework for
understanding the structure and function of plasmids in an
evolutionary context.* The most up to date text on plasmids* An
innovative teaching perspective makes for easy student
understanding* Contains crucial chapters on the importance of
plasmids for clinical and biological research
This book provides up-to-date information on the crucial
interaction of pathogenic bacteria and professional phagocytes, the
host cells whose purpose is to ingest, kill, and digest bacteria in
defense against infection. The introductory chapters focus on the
receptors used by professional phagocytes to recognize and
phagocytose bacteria, and the signal transduction events that are
essential for phagocytosis of bacteria. Subsequent chapters discuss
specific bacterial pathogens and the strategies they use in
confronting professional phagocytes. Examples include Helicobacter
pylori, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Yersinae, each of which uses
distinct mechanisms to avoid being phagocytosed and killed.
Contrasting examples include Listeria monocytogenes and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which survive and replicate
intracellularly, and actually cooperate with phagocytes to promote
their entry into these cells. Together, the contributions in this
book provide an outstanding review of current knowledge regarding
the mechanisms of phagocytosis and how specific pathogenic bacteria
avoid or exploit these mechanisms.
This book concerns the intimate association between bacteria and
host cells. Many bacterial pathogens are able to invade and survive
within cells at mucosal membranes. Remarkably, the bacteria
themselves orchestrate this process through the exploitation of
host cellular signal transduction pathways. Intracellular invasion
can lead to disruption of host tissue integrity and perturbation of
the immune system. An understanding of the molecular basis of
bacterial invasion and of host cell adaptation to intracellular
bacteria will provide fundamental insights into the pathophysiology
of bacteria and the cell biology of the host. The book details
specific examples of bacteria that are masters of manipulation of
eukaryotic cell signaling and relates these events to the broader
context of host-pathogen interaction. Written by experts in the
field, this book will be of interest to researchers and graduate
students in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, as well as
molecular medicine and dentistry.
This is the only book available that provides an integrated picture
of what starter cultures are and what they do. It gives an
up-to-date discussion of the characteristics, metabolism,
production, and role of starter cultures in the manufacture of
fermented dairy products. It further integrates recent developments
in starter culture genetics into different aspects of culture
metabolism, to give a comprehensive treatment of the subject. The
contributors of the book are internationally recognized experts in
dairy microbiology.
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The Way
(Paperback)
Warren LeRoi Johns
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R493
Discovery Miles 4 930
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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This book provides the bird's eye view of the latest scientific
research centered around the importance of gut bacteria in
influencing our health and well-being and their impact on lifestyle
diseases. The scientific information is presented in an
easy-to-understand language while being interspersed with fun-facts
and anecdotal accounts, which entertain the audience while helping
them acquire this fundamental and relevant scientific knowledge.
The authors explain in a lay-person friendly terminology about the
role of gut bacteria in determining the state of both our physical
andmental well-being. The authors then share insights about the
role of gut bacteria in predisposition to various lifestyle
diseases such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and
response to stress, utilizing the latest published scientific
research in peer-reviewed journals. -"What are the gut bacteria?"
-"What are the various factors which affect their composition and
numbers?" "How do they perform such vital functions?" -"How do they
protect us from the biggest killers of today's mankind- the
lifestyle diseases?" -And most importantly, "how can we harness
this knowledge for our benefit?" This book answers these questions
in an easy language for readers without any background in biology.
The information provided in the book is useful to anyone who wants
to lead a healthy life. It is worth reading even for the health
care professionals as their current curriculum does not entail
extensive information about the gut-bacteria and their significance
in determining our health.
Dieser Buchtitel ist Teil des Digitalisierungsprojekts Springer
Book Archives mit Publikationen, die seit den Anfangen des Verlags
von 1842 erschienen sind. Der Verlag stellt mit diesem Archiv
Quellen fur die historische wie auch die disziplingeschichtliche
Forschung zur Verfugung, die jeweils im historischen Kontext
betrachtet werden mussen. Dieser Titel erschien in der Zeit vor
1945 und wird daher in seiner zeittypischen politisch-ideologischen
Ausrichtung vom Verlag nicht beworben.
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