This book gives an overview of gene transfer and stability in those aquatic and terrestrial environments where bacteria and fungi can survive and interact genetically. It examines the role played by sex between microbes in the evolution of populations and their survival. Special emphasis is placed on methodology, including the analysis by novel techniques of genetic material extracted directly from soils, rivers and lakes. The natural spread of antibiotic resistance and the safe use of genetically manipulated microbes are matters of considerable scientific, medical and public concern upon which the investigations presented here have direct bearing. This unique collection will be of value to specialist researchers in applied microbiology, ecology and biotechnology as well as biomedical scientists interested in the environmental risks of genetic engineering.

Articles in this volume analyze rapidly evolving approaches, many at the cusp of development, to research plant defense mechanisms, pathogen variability, and epidemiology. Jones and Jones focus on emerging patterns that key resistance genes encode or require leucine-rich repeat proteins. Holub and Beynon analyze associating host resistance specificity with a locus and whether a phenotype is due to single or multiple genes. Ashby combines biochemical, molecular, and classical plant pathology to analyze interactions and provide leads to novel control strategies. Heath and Skalamera question why fungal biotrophs form intracellular structures, the significance of ensuing cellular rearrangements and death of invaded resistant cells. Spencer-Phillips explores the roles of haustoria and intercellular hyphae in intercepting organic and inorganic nutrients from hosts.Chamberlain and Ingram compare pathogen asexual and sexual reproduction for generating genetic variation, physiological and fitness costs and trade-offs. Hardham and Hyde consider new knowledge of sporangiogenesis and zoospore production in oomycetes. Dewey et al. analyze recent advances in accurately enumerating pathogens in soil. Wistemeyer et al. consider opportunities for horizontal gene transfer amongst microbes and plants in soil. Irwin et al. discuss origins of genetic variationof Phytophthora pathogens of pasture legumes. Rodriguez and Redman show how prominent pathogens which also behave as endophytes or saprophytes may influence plant community structure and dynamics. Haubold and Rainey challenge us to consider geneticvariation in plant-colonizing bacterial populations. Milgroom and Fry demonstrate that the practical need to understand pathogen variation is the most significant application of population genetics to disease management.

Genetic Engineering, Volume 25 contains discussions of contemporary and relevant topics in genetics, including: - Genotyping by Mass Spectrometry; - Development of Targeted Viral Vectors for Cardiovascular Gene Therapy; - Practical Applications of Rolling Circle Amplification of DNA Templates; - Bacterial ION Channels; - Applications of Plant Antiviral Proteins; - The Bacterial Scaffoldin: Structure, Function and Potential Applications in the Nanosciences. This principles and methods approach to genetics and genetic engineering is essential reading for all academics, bench scientists, and industry professionals wishing to take advantage of the latest and greatest in this continuously emerging field.

This text provides information on advances in microbiology, covering such topics as: the role of norsolorinic acid in aflatoxin research; flavour compounds in cheese; the role of micro-organisms in soy sauce production; and gene transfer among bacteria in natural environments.

Genetically Engineered Marine Organisms: Environmental and Economic Risks and Benefits provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary overview of the environmental, economic, and regulatory implications of advances in marine biotechnology. The book has been specifically designed to bridge the gap between the rapidly advancing marine biotechnology industry and the government agencies that are responsible for risk assessment and regulation. Editors Raymond Zilinskas and Peter Balint have brought together experts in risk assessment, marine ecology, biotechnology, economics, and the law, to provide a unique way of examining complex issues in marine biotechnology. The contributors present innovative and challenging recommendations for protecting public health and the environment, while encouraging the development of beneficial new products in the field of marine biotechnology. As an added feature, each chapter includes a comprehensive, up-to-date bibliography. Genetically Engineered Marine Organisms: Environmental and Economic Risks and Benefits will prove invaluable to students, researchers and public employees involved with risk assessment. The book will appeal to industry personnel involved with the preparation of marine biotechnology products; scientists and administrators involved with applied research in marine biotechnology; policy analysts concerned with the economics of marine fisheries; and university personnel who focus on the interaction of risk, technology, and public policy.

Molecular biological techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and purification, and especially the polymerase chain reaction, PCR, are rapidly gaining interest also in related fields, such as microbiology or environmental sciences. They offer new approaches and opportunities for the determination of microbial cells, DNA and RNA from soils, roots, rhizospheres, sediments and aquatic environments. Detailed protocols for these applications are described in this manual.

Sheds new light on the microbial ecology and physiology of the Earth’s polar regions. • Examines the microbial investigations during the International Polar Year of 2008 focusing on the Arctic and Antarctic, along with earlier investigations on critical environmental issues such as climate change, ozone depletion, and elemental cycling. • Offers a survey of what is known and unknown about the microbial inhabitants of polar environments, addresses the adaptations and physiology of cold-adapted microorganisms, and explores the ecological role that polar microbial communities play in biogeochemical cycling. • Presents the challenges that polar and subpolar microorganisms face and describes the lowest temperatures in which microbial life can exist—and the prospects for life on other planets. Recommended for a general microbiology audience as well as for scientists and students in all areas of biology and geomicrobiology.

Microbial ecology is one of the fastest growing fields of microbiology. This practical volume is the bench and field scientist's guide to well-established techniques for investigating microbial communities. Both for biologists just entering the field and for experienced researchers wishingto explore new areas, this book provides the theoretical background, detailed protocols, and tips from experts for working in this field. Chapters on bacteria with interesting metabolic traits are augmented with chapters on molecular techniques, lipid analysis, and appropriate sampling techniques.The final section includes up-to-date information on biofilm development and study, the science and practice of bioremediation, modeling of biological systems (including the most useful statistical parameters), and the study of phylogenetics.

The study of biofilm considers the close association of micro-organisms with each other at interfaces and is relevant to a variety of disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, bioremediation, biofouling, water technology, engineering and food science. Although the habitats studied differ widely, some common elements exist such as method of attachment, coadhesion and regulation of biofilm phenotype and architecture. This book aims to distil the common principles of biofilm physiology and growth for all interested disciplines.

Provided here is an up-to-date survey of gene transfers in the main natural habitats, with a special reference to genetically engineered microorganisms.In the first of five sections technical approaches of gene transfer in the natural environment are developed. These emphasize the use of modernmethodologies for the detection of recombinant bacteria in natural waters and soil, using DNA or rRNA probes and PCR technology. The three following sections deal with various aspects of gene transfer in aquatic environments, terrestrial habitats and human and animal gut. These include transfer of plasmidic or chromosomal markers through either conjugation, mobilization, transformation or transduction processes. Also covered are factors influencing survival of cells harbouring the transferred genes in these environments. The last section is devoted to an examination of scientific and ethical problems related to the release of genetically engineered microorganisms.