This book examines the role of human microbiome in human health and diseases. The initial chapters present tools for genetic manipulation of gut microbiota and the therapeutic applications of engineered microbiota. They discuss the interaction between human microbiota and host in defining the prominent role of microbes in the development and progression of major human diseases. The book also summarizes the current applications and trends for the development, production and analytical characterization of recombinant therapeutic proteins in microbial systems. It also reviews the role of microbes in the production of vaccines and antibiotics. Further, the book presents bacterial products, including proteins, enzymes, immunotoxins and secondary metabolites, that target cancer cells and cause tumour regression. The chapters also discuss the critical role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and in bowel-related diseases. Towards the end, the book explores the role of intestinal microbiota in metabolic health and the pathogenesis of common metabolic disorders. It presents state-of-the-art insights into important aspects of United Nations—Sustainable Developmental Goal 3.

This book discusses; somaclonal variation in crop improvement, the role of tissue culture in rapid clonal propagation and production of pathogen-free plant, protoplasts in crop improvement, cell selection and long-term high-frequency regeneration of cereals and legumes, agrobacteria-mediated gene transformation and vectors for gene cloning in plants, and plant frost injury and its management.

Genetic Engineering of Plants for Crop Improvement discusses current genetic engineering methods for plants and addresses the commercial opportunities for transgenic plants. Topics covered include Agrobacterium-mediated transformations, the use of electroporation, PEG-mediated transformation, microinjection, the microprojectile bombardment method, and the electrical discharge particle acceleration method. A concise account of the resistance of transgenic plants to insect attack, viral infection, and herbicides has also been provided. Possibilities for genetic manipulation for proteins that have superior nutritional properties are discussed, and a brief account of tests confirming the safety and commercial validity of transgenic plants is included. A valuable source of information for researchers and students in plant biotechnology, plant gene manipulation, molecular biology, and all areas of the life sciences.