Microorganisms in our World [antikvár]

PrefaceThe field of microbiology is fascinating. Most people associate microorganisms only with disease. However, cheese, wine, and sourdough bread, for example, are products of microbial metabolism. The quality of our envirorunent also depends on the activities of microorganisms. Microorganisms in our World will inteoduce the student to the wide world of microbiology. A text written by a microbiologist. Microorganisms in Our World gives the perspective of microbiology as a broad relevant field and of microorganisms as important to human health and the functioning of planet Earth.THE BOOKThe text is written in a manner that is easy to read. Difficult topics are thoroughly explained so that they can be easily understood. Technical terms are explained as ?ley are introduced and a conceptual framework of microbiology is presented. Students will learn how to communicate microbiological information. They wiU be able to understand the numerous news reports related to microbiology, especially those about relationships between microorganisms and human health. The depth of presentation is limited to the essentials but provides enough information to develop an understanding of a topic. The information presented represents a distillation of endless volimies of scientific studies. Facts are presented that reflect the latest state of knowledge. Accuracy is not sacrificed for brevity or simplicity. The breadth of the field of microbiology is covered at an appropriate level for students.Topics are organized in a logical yet flexible manner Coverage of medical microbiology emphasizes microorganisms and how they cause disease. The sense of discovery is used to entice students into wanting to leam more. Microbiology is an exciting field, and students should develop enthusiasm toward scientific discovery. They should never be bored by the information they are learrung. The text contains numerous boxes with items that will interest students. The relevance of microbiology in our daily lives and selected careers is presented so that today's pragmatic students know why they arestudying a particular topic and want to leam about microorganisms.The diversity of the microbial world is shown with relevant examples of how microorganisms affect our daily lives. The interactions of microorganisms with humans are highlighted, especially as they relate to human disease. The properties of microorganisms that are responsible for their ability to cause disease and permit prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease are emphasized.ORGANiZATIONMicroorganisms in our World is organized into six units. The first three units focus on the principles of microbiology, including cell structure, cellular metabolism, microbial genetics, and growth. Unit Four and Unit Five focus on the medical applications of microbiologymicroorganisms as disease-causing entities and the body's defenses against infection. The final unit of the text discusses microbiological applications to industry and the environment.Microorganisms and Microbiology (Unit One) introduces the student to the field of microbiology and the techniques that are used by microbiologists in research and clinical settings. Chapter 1 (Unity of the Microbial World) introduces the field of microbiology, giving insight into the relevance of microorganisms of human health and how microbiologists workthe scientific method. Chapter 2 (Diversity of the Microbial World) continues by introducing the student to the vast breadth of the microbial world. Chapter 3 (Science of Microbiology: Methods for Studying Microorgarusms) discusses the techniques that microbiologists use to do their work. The various techniques of light and electron microscopy are explained in addition to coverage of culturing, aseptic technique, and plating. Unit One concludes with Chapter 4 (Chemistry for the Microbiologist)an introduction for students who have not had a basic chemistry course and a convenient review for those who have.The text continues with coverage of Cellular and Molecular Microbiology (Unit Two). Chapter 5 (Cell Structure) introduces the student to the general