This book covers the ecological activities of microbes in the biosphere with an emphasis on microbial interactions within their environments and communities
In thirteen concise and timely chapters, Microbial Ecology presents a broad overview of this rapidly growing field, explaining the basic principles in an easy-to-follow manner. Using an integrative approach, it comprehensively covers traditional issues in ecology as well as cutting-edge content at the intersection of ecology, microbiology, environmental science and engineering, and molecular biology.
Examining the microbial characteristics that enable microbes to grow in different environments, the book provides insights into relevant methodologies for characterization of microorganisms in the environment. The authors draw upon their extensive experience in teaching microbiology to address the latest hot-button topics in the field, such as:
* Ecology of microorganisms in natural and engineered environments
* Advances in molecular-based understanding of microbial phylogeny and interactions
* Microbially driven biogeochemical processes and interactions among microbial populations and communities
* Microbial activities in extreme or unusual environments
* Ecological studies pertaining to animal, plant, and insect microbiology
* Microbial processes and interactions associated with environmental pollution
Designed for use in teaching, Microbial Ecology offers numerous special features to aid both students and instructors, including:
* Information boxes that highlight key microbial ecology issues
* "Microbial Spotlights" that focus on how prominent microbial ecologists became interested in microbial ecology
* Examples that illustrate the role of bacterial interaction with humans
* Exercises to promote critical thinking
* Selected reading lists
* Chapter summaries and review questions for class discussion
Various microbial interactions and community structures are presented through examples and illustrations. Also included are mini case studies that address activities of microorganisms in specific environments, as well as a glossary and key words. All these features make this an ideal textbook for graduate or upper-level undergraduate students in biology, microbiology, ecology, or environmental science. It also serves as a highly useful reference for scientists and environmental professionals.
Autorentext
Larry L. Barton studies the physiological activities of environmentally important microorganisms, focusing on energetics of bacterial inorganic metabolism and bacterial bioremediation. Larry has been the instructor of the course in General Microbiology for over 30 years. The author of five previous books, he was the founding editor and the initial editor-in chief of the international journal Anerobe, begun in 1995 and now published by Academic Press. Most recently, he published a college textbook on bacterial physiology.
Diana E. Northup investigates the microorganisms that inhabit caves throughout the world. Her research was featured on the Nova episode, "Mysterious Life of Caves." Within the Department of Biology at UNM, she gives lectures, directs undergraduate students in research, supervises a postdoctoral fellow, and, currently, she is mentoring a doctoral student in microbial ecology of a cave in southern New Mexico.
Inhalt
Preface xvii
Glossary xix
1 Microbial Ecology: Beginnings and the Road Forward 1
1.1 Central Themes 1
1.2 Introduction 2
1.2.1 Roots of Microbial Ecology 3
1.2.2 Current Perspectives 4
1.3 Timeline 5
1.4 Microfossils 7
1.5 Early Life 9
1.5.1 The Precellular World 9
1.5.2 The First Cell 10
1.5.3 Development of Cellular Biology 11
1.5.4 Evolution of Metabolic Pathways 12
1.6 Characteristics of Microbial Life 13
1.6.1 Structure and Evolution of Cell Shape 13
1.6.2 Metabolism and Use of Energy 16
1.6.3 Growth, Reproduction, and Development 17
1.6.4 Adaptations and Response to Stimuli 18
1.7 Classification and Taxonomy: The Species Concept 18
1.8 The Three Domains: Tree of Life 19
1.9 Relationship of Microbial Ecology to General Ecology 22
1.10 Changing Face of Microbial Ecology 23
1.10.1 Change in Focus 23
1.10.2 Diversity: From Culturing to Molecular Phylogeny 24
1.11 Summary 25
1.12 Delving Deeper: Critical Thinking Questions 26
2 Diversity of Microorganisms 29
2.1 Central Themes 29
2.2 The Ubiquity of Microorganisms 29
2.3 The Amazing Diversity of Morphologies 30
2.3.1 Comparison of the Three Domains 32
2.3.2 What's in a Name: Prokaryotes 32
2.3.3 Winogradsky's Experiments with Chemolithotrophs 32
2.4 Diversity of Bacterial Groups 33
2.4.1 Expansion of the Number of Bacterial Phyla 33
2.4.2 Bacterial Portrait Gallery: Processes and Players 35
2.5 Discovery of Archaea as a Separate Domain 38
2.6 Archaeal Diversity 39
2.6.1 Archaeal Portrait Gallery 39
2.7 ArchaeaBacteria Differences 45
2.8 Eukarya: A Changing Picture of Phylogenetic Diversity 46
2.9 Protist Diversity 46
2.9.1 Protist Gallery 49
2.10 Fungal Diversity 51
2.11 Algal Diversity 54
2.12 Viral Diversity 56
2.13 Summary 57
2.14 Delving Deeper: Critical Thinking Questions 58
3 Complexity and Simplicity of Cell Systems 61
3.1 Central Themes 61
3.2 Introduction 62
3.3 Cell Parameters 63
3.3.1 Life at the Lowest Level 64
3.3.2 Large Microorganisms 66
3.4 Cell Movement and Chemotaxis 68
3.5 Structures of Sporulation 71
3.6 Nutrient Reserves and Storage Materials 74
3.7 CellCell Associations 75
3.7.1 Cell Attachment 76
3.7.2 Biofilms 78
3.7.3 Filamentous Growth 82
3.8 Cell Physiology and Metabolism 84
3.8.1 Sensory Response 84
3.8.2 Global Regulation 86
3.8.3 Internal Membranes in Bacteria 87
3.9 Energetics and Environment 88
3.9.1 Heterotrophs 88
3.9.2 Chemolithotrophs 91
3.9.3 Photophosphorylation 94
3.9.4 Bacteriorhodopsin Reaction 94
3.10 Bioelectrochemical Activities 97
3.11 Summary 99
3.12 Delving Deeper: Critical Thinking Questions 100
4 The Microbial Habitat: An Ecological Perspective 103
4.1 Central Themes 103
4.2 Habitats: An Overview 104
4.2.1 The Niche 105
4.3 Aquatic Habitats 105
4.3.1 Freshwater 107
4.3.2 Marine Habitats 110
4.4 Soil Habitats 111
4.4.1 Microbial Food Webs in the Soil Habitat 112
4.5 Rock and Subsurface Habitats 117
4.5.1 Rock Varnish 117
4.5.2 Cave Habitats 119
4.5.3 Groundwater 120
4.5.4 Deep Subsurface 120
4.6 Atmospheric Habitats 121
4.6.1 Atmospheric Microbial Diversity: African Dust 121
4.6.2 Mysteries Remain 122
4.7 Population Ecology Across Habitats 124
4.7.1 Population Growth and Dynamics 124
4.7.2 Horizontal Gene ...