Here is a fascinating reader-friendly exploration of "the phosphorus enigma." The volume attempts to answer the questions: How did phosphorus atoms, which are produced inside the inner cores of a handful of huge stars, become concentrated in relatively high proportions in the organisms composing Earth's biosphere? And how did these phosphate derivatives manage to be included in such a great variety of organic molecules playing essential biochemical roles in all known life forms? Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the volume is arranged in three sections. The first section introduces the fundamental concepts and notions of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for the proper understanding of the topics discussed within an astronomical framework. The author then focuses on the role of phosphorus and its compounds within the context of chemical evolution in galaxies, considering its relevance in most essential biochemical functions as well as its peculiar chemistry under different physicochemical conditions. The third section provides an overall perspective on the role of phosphorus and its compounds in current areas of research of solid state physics, materials engineering, nanotechnology or medicine.

This book provides a comprehensive update on recent developments of Jasmonates (JAs) and Brassinosteroids (BRs) in plant signalling and biotechnological applications. Over the last few decades, an enormous amount of research data has been generated on these two signalling molecules. This valuable compilation will enhance the basic understanding of JAs and BRs mechanism of actions ensuing tolerance mechanism of crops under climate changes for sustainable agriculture and human welfare. This book covers topics regarding the occurrence of JAs and BRs in plants, biosynthesis, role in plant growth and development, role of these PGRs during various abiotic stress tolerance in plants, crosstalk of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and plant stress mitigation, regulation of JAs and BRs signaling pathways by microRNA, along with physiological and anatomical roles of JAs and BRs as wound healing, regeneration and cell fate decisions. The cross talk of JAs and BRs with neurotransmitters in plant growth and development. Bio-fortification of crop plants with BRs in managing in human health issues chapter enlightened new role of BRs in human wellbeing. This book will be beneficial to scientists, researchers, agriculturists, horticulturists, industries related to the crop and food production KEY FEATURES Reviews the global scientific literature and experimental data of the authors on the occurrence of JAs and BRs in various plants Update information on recent developments of JAs and BRs signalling and biotechnological applications in plants Highlights the physiological, metabolic and molecular mechanism of JAs and BRs under variable climates Addresses the abiotic and biotic tolerance management by JAs and BRs Describes the role of JAs and BRs in sustainable agriculture and human welfare in eco-friendly manner

This reference supplies a comprehensive and current overview of every aspect of gastrointestinal microbiota. Expertly written chapters cover conventional and molecular techniques for the study of differing microbial populations, as well as the analysis of microbial activity and interaction with host bodies. Illustrative and up-to-date, this source showcases how fluctuations in our diet, environment, and pharmaceutical intake affect microbial composition and behavior.

"The third book in the Sustainable Well Series, Microbiology of Well Biofouling, is the second edition of Practical Manual of Groundwater Microbiology. It is concerned with solving production problems in all types of wells. See what's new in the new edition: Addresses deleterious events in all types of wells in greater detail Discusses the generation of mass which interferes with the physical functioning of a well Covers the major innovations in the field Includes more field applicable material Completely revised and updated

Fungi that inhabit polar-region can grow and decompose organic compounds under subzero temperatures play important roles in the nutrient cycle of polar-region ecosystems. Thus, changes in the mycoflora affect the ecological recycling in these regions, and understanding the cold-adaptation strategies of fungi under extreme environments is critical for a better understanding of polar-region ecosystems. Due to their ability to survive under extreme environments, fungi in polar-region are seen to show potential for utilization in biotechnologies. This book presents our current understanding of the mycoflora in polar-region and their cold adaptation strategies, and applied studies using their abilities.

This volume describes the structure and function of bacterial toxins and presents a comprehensive review of virulence factors, providing recent information concerning cell physiology and biochemistry, as well as new toxin tools for experimental studies and clinical therapy. A wide variety of toxic proteins, including the toxins that cause diptheria, cholera, pertussis, shigellosis, tetanus, botulism and anthrax, are discussed.;The work is aimed at microbiologists, biochemists, endocrinologists, toxicologists, infectious disease specialists, pathologists, public health officials, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

A fresh look at electricity and its powerful role in life on Earth When we think of electricity, we likely imagine the energy humming inside our home appliances or lighting up our electronic devices-or perhaps we envision the lightning-streaked clouds of a stormy sky. But electricity is more than an external source of power, heat, or illumination. Life at its essence is nothing if not electrical. The story of how we came to understand electricity's essential role in all life is rooted in our observations of its influences on the body-influences governed by the body's central nervous system. Spark explains the science of electricity from this fresh, biological perspective. Through vivid tales of scientists and individuals-from Benjamin Franklin to Elon Musk-Timothy Jorgensen shows how our views of electricity and the nervous system evolved in tandem, and how progress in one area enabled advancements in the other. He explains how these developments have allowed us to understand-and replicate-the ways electricity enables the body's essential functions of sight, hearing, touch, and movement itself. Throughout, Jorgensen examines our fascination with electricity and how it can help or harm us. He explores a broad range of topics and events, including the Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of the electron and neuron, the history of experimentation involving electricity's effects on the body, and recent breakthroughs in the use of electricity to treat disease. Filled with gripping adventures in scientific exploration, Spark offers an indispensable look at electricity, how it works, and how it animates our lives from within and without.

Including recent advances, this edition focuses on sustainable development and human welfare in biology, genetics, microbial biotechnology, and molecular medicine. While written for engineers specializing in biotechnology, those in agriculture, veterinary science, and medicine, will find new information relevant to their practice. It links biological principles to plant, animal, environmental, industrial, and medical biotechnologies, discusses concepts of genetics and molecular biology, and examines developments in the production of biopolymers, vaccines, gene therapy, bioremediation, biofuels, and biofertilizers.

In an intriguing series of experiments carried out many years ago, a common scientific belief, feted by no less than three Nobel prizes, was brought into question. The observations were about proteins-the molecules that the genetic code specifies and that are in one way or another central to all of life's activities. The experiments however were not about what proteins do, but how they are moved, in particular how they are moved from where they are made to where they act. The results of these studies conflicted with the standard view of how this happens, and thus became controversial. The standard view, the vesicle theory of protein secretion, envisions proteins being carried within and out of cells en masse in membrane-bound sacs or vesicles. The controversial experiments demonstrated that to the contrary individual protein molecules cross the relevant membranes as a result of their own motion. This was thought to be impossible at the time. Proteins Crossing Membranes is a personal narrative that tells the story of the controversy. Among other things, the author illustrates that scientists, like the rest of us, can rigidly hold onto their beliefs despite evidence that they are misguided. Key Features Reviews the data in support and critical of the vesicle theory of protein secretion Explores the ways scientists respond to evidence that challenges a favored theory Documents the author's personal experiences in this conflict-laden situation

This handbook is devoted to the mass production of microalgae, and in my part, is based on some 10 years of experience in growing and studying microalgal cultures maintained at high polulation densities under laboratory conditions and in outdoor ponds

Handbook of Microbial Iron Chelates emphasizes the various microbial compounds and synthetic analogues functioning as siderophores in microbes and as potential drugs in human iron metabolism. There are chapters describing the isolation, chemical characterization, synthesis and physicochemical properties of microbial iron chelates. Other chapters deal with the physiology and genetics of transport and receptors involved in iron uptake. Chemists, biologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and medical doctors interested in the general aspects of iron metabolism, siderophores, receptors, and iron complex formation should consider this book a rich information source.

This book offers a conceptual explanation of the interrelationships that exist between the stages in the progression of initiated epithelial cells in culture compared with the diverse tissue of organs and the progression of tumors from different organ sites. The fate of the modification of adducts is discussed at the molecular level. The role that modifications in hot spots in oncogenes and supressor genes play at the molecular level and how these molecular modifications can lead to an explanation of molecular control in the formation of tumor phenotypes is also examined. Researchers in cell biology and toxicology, applied pharmacology, carcinogenesis, teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and molecular toxicology will find the book useful, interesting reading.

These volumes present the main classes of useful laboratory model systems used to study microbial ecosystems, with emphasis on the practical details for the use of each model. The most commonly used model, the homogeneous fermenter, is featured along with linked homogeneous culture systems, film fermenters, and percolating columns. Additionally, gel-stabilized culture systems which incorporate molecular diffusion as their main solute transfer mechanism and the microbial colony are explained. Chapters comparing model systems with "microcosms" are included, along with discussions of the value of computer models in microbial ecosystem research. Highlighted is a global discussion of the value of laboratory models in microbial ecology.

The purpose of this book is to analyze and determine how a host responds to a blood stage malaria infection. It focuses on strategies for anti-malarial vaccination, genetic control of host resistance to malaria, and the contribution of the host genetic background to resistance or susceptibility to malaria. This book is an important reference work for anyone who studies the field of microbiology, immunology, or parasitology.

Topology and Physics of Circular DNA presents comprehensive coverage of the physical properties of circular DNA. The author examines how topological constraints arising from cyclization of DNA lead to distinctive properties that make closed molecules radically different from linear DNA. The phenomenon of supercoiling, its geometric and topological analysis, and the formation of noncanonical structures in circular DNA under the influence of supercoiling are emphasized. The combination of consistent theoretical analysis and detailed treatment of major experimental approaches make Topology and Physics of Circular DNA an important reference volume for biophysicists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and researchers and students who want to expand their understanding of circular DNA.

This text presents a new technique for detecting microorganisms, specifically bacteria found in all levels of the biosphere. It also discusses methods for enzymatic release of these microbes as well as their interactions in all ecosystems. Drawings and micrographs help to illustrate this concept. Part one is devoted to the mechanisms of adherence. The second part discusses microbial ecology and the bacterial population of tissues as well as both land and aquatic microbiocenoses in general. Part three specifically covers technique. What is known about the mechanisms of adherence justifies the choice of techniques suggested. Applications in areas such as nature, medicine, environmental hygiene and the food industry are discussed. The explanation of useful techniques, the author's research results, and practical application methods make this volume an essential reference tool for researchers, technicians and practitioners.

Increases in various fungal infections due to Candida, Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Histoplasma spp., and Dermatophytes have attracted interest in the biochemistry of the fungal pathogens responsible. This book discusses the importance of lipids in pathogenic fungi and how they are involved in infections that pose serious health problems. The role of lipids in dimorphism, adherence, and virulence of fungi is investigated as is their composition and metabolism. Several chapters are devoted to examinations of specific pathogenic fungi, which will be particularly useful to researchers studying the clinical manifestations of infections caused by these factors. Later chapters present possible antifungal agents and nonconventional agents that target the organisms discussed earlier. Collectively, the contributions to this volume provide an excellent overview of this field. This text is essential for practicing clinicians and for everyone involved in the important task of resolving the problems associated with fungal pathogenicity.

Intended for cell biologists, biophysicists, biochemists, molecular biologists, physiologists, researchers in hemostatsis and thrombosis and pathologists, this book provides an insight into cell adhesion from three interdisciplinary perspectives: fundamental facts of adhesion; molecular biochemistry of adhesion and physiological aspects. It summarizes the basic aspects of surfaces in general and describes the theoretical and experimental tools necessary to investigate cell adhesion, including the basic biochemistry and molecular biology of adhesion. The book offers concise treatment of individual topics, features current material, and provides key references as a guide to further study.

This book highlights the role fungi play in bioremediation, as well as the mechanisms and enzymes involved in this process. It covers the application of bioremediation with fungi in polluted sites and gives a wide overview of the main applications of remediation, such as degradation of xenobiotics, gaseous pollutants, and metal reduction. The book explains the degradation of emergent pollutants and radioactive compounds by fungi, which is relevant to the current pollution problems that have been studied over the last few decades. The book also describes the most advanced techniques and tools that are currently used in this field of study.

Anemones and fish, ants and acacia trees, fungus and trees, buffaloes and oxpeckers--each of these unlikely duos is an inimitable partnership in which the species' coexistence is mutually beneficial. More specifically, they represent examples of defensive mutualism, when one species receives protection against predators or parasites in exchange for offering shelter or food to its partner species. Explores the Diverse Range of Defensive Mutualisms Involving Microbial Symbionts The past 20 years, since this phenomenon first began receiving attention, have been marked by a deluge of research in a variety of organism kingdoms and much has been discovered about this intriguing behavior. Defensive Mutualism in Microbial Symbiosis includes basic ecological and biological information on defensive mutualisms, explores how they function, and evaluates how they have evolved. It also looks at the implications of symbiosis defensive compounds as a new frontier in bioexploration for drug and natural product discovery--the first book to explore this possibility. Chapters Written by Field Authorities The book expands the concept of defensive mutualisms to evaluate defense against environmental abiotic and biotic stresses. Addressing the topic of defensive mutualisms in microbial symbiosis across this wide spectrum, it includes chapters on defensive mutualistic associations involving multiple kingdoms of organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems--plant, animal, fungi, bacteria, and protozoans. Defensive Mutualism in Microbial Symbiosis unifies scattered findings into a single compendium, providing a valuable reference for field researchers and those in academia to assimilate and acquire a knowledgeable perspective on defensive mutualism, particularly those involving microbial partners.

The physical-chemical properties of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) enable it to facilitate rapid biochemical processes in the membrane. This effect has numerous benefits, including those involved in the growth of bacteria, rapid energy generation, human vision, brain impulse, and photosynthesis, to name a few. Yet DHA also carries risks that can lead to cellular death and disease. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the DHA Principle explores the roles of omega-3 fatty acids in cellular membranes ranging from human neurons and swimming sperm to deep sea bacteria, and develops a principle by which to assess their benefits and risks. The DHA Principle states that the blending of lipids to form cellular membranes is evolutionarily-honed to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and that a complex blending code involving conformational dynamics, energy stress, energy yield, and chemical stability underlies all cellular membranes. This book lays the groundwork to understanding this code. It examines the evolution of DHA and the membrane and explores the general properties of omega-3s and other membrane lipids. It then focuses on cellular biology before shifting to a practical discussion on applications. The authors discuss the DHA Principle as applied to petroleum degradation, winemaking, global warming, molecular farming, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and the prevention of colon cancer. Reflecting the increased public interest that has emerged over the years, this volume uses an integrative approach to explain the complex roles of omega-3s in the membrane. Incorporating principles from chemistry, cellular biology, evolution, and ecology, this work gives researchers in a variety of fields the building blocks to stimulate further study.

Concepts, procedures and programs described in this book make it possible for readers to solve both simple and complex equilibria problems quickly and easily and to visualize results in both numerical and graphical forms. They allow the user to calculate concentrations of reactants and products for both simple and complicated situations. The user can spend less time doing calculations and more time thinking about what the results mean in terms of a larger problem in which she or he may be interested.

This is a comprehensive guide to single-stranded RNA phages (family Leviviridae), first discovered in 1961. These phages played a unique role in early studies of molecular biology, the genetic code, translation, replication, suppression of mutations. Special attention is devoted to modern applications of the RNA phages and their products in nanotechnology, vaccinology, gene discovery, evolutionary and environmental studies. Included is an overview of the generation of novel vaccines, gene therapy vectors, drug delivery, and diagnostic tools exploring the role of RNA phage-derived products in the revolutionary progress of the protein tethering and bioimaging protocols. Key Features Presents the first full guide to single-stranded RNA phages Reviews the history of molecular biology summarizing the role RNA phages in the development of the life sciences Demonstrates how RNA phage-derived products have resulted in nanotechnological applications Presents an up-to-date account of the role played by RNA phages in evolutionary and environmental studies

A Probabilistic Model of the Genotype/Phenotype Relationship provides a new hypothesis on the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The main idea of the book is that this relationship is probabilistic, in other words, the genotype does not fully explain the phenotype. This idea is developed and discussed using the current knowledge on complex genetic diseases, phenotypic plasticity, canalization and others.

1) Presents full guide to virus-like particles, by combination of classical virology with modern nanotechnology, for the first time 2) Outlines generation and sources of virus-like particles from different groups of viruses 3) Demonstrates the specific structural and immunological properties of virus-like particles 4) Presents up-to-date account of virus-like particles used for the generation of vaccines, diagnostic and therapeutic tools 5) Presents interconnection of virology, nanotechnology, and healthcare