ISBN Microbiology: A Very Short Introduction English

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.