Microbiology is the study of life itself, down to the smallestparticleMicrobiology is a fascinating field that explores life down tothe tiniest level. Did you know that your body contains morebacteria cells than human cells? It's true. Microbes are essentialto our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the very internalsystems that keep us alive. These microbes include bacteria, algae,fungi, viruses, and nematodes. Without microbes, life on Earthwould not survive. It's amazing to think that all life is sodependent on these microscopic creatures, but their impact on ourfuture is even more astonishing. Microbes are the tools that allowus to engineer hardier crops, create better medicines, and fuel ourtechnology in sustainable ways. Microbes may just help us save theworld.Microbiology For Dummies is your guide to understandingthe fundamentals of this enormously-encompassing field. Whetheryour career plans include microbiology or another science or healthspecialty, you need to understand life at the cellular level beforeyou can understand anything on the macro scale.* Explore the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryoticcells* Understand the basics of cell function and metabolism* Discover the differences between pathogenic and symbioticrelationships* Study the mechanisms that keep different organisms active andaliveYou need to know how cells work, how they get nutrients, and howthey die. You need to know the effects different microbes have ondifferent systems, and how certain microbes are integral toecosystem health. Microbes are literally the foundation of alllife, and they are everywhere. Microbiology For Dummies willhelp you understand them, appreciate them, and use them.

Introduction 1Part I: Getting Started with Microbiology 5Chapter 1: Microbiology and You 7Chapter 2: Microbiology: The Young Science 11Chapter 3: Microbes: They're Everywhere and They Can Do Everything 21Part II: Balancing the Dynamics of Microbial Life 29Chapter 4: Understanding Cell Structure and Function 31Chapter 5: Making Sense of Metabolism 49Chapter 6: Getting the Gist of Microbial Genetics 67Chapter 7: Measuring Microbial Growth 89Part III: Sorting Out Microbial Diversity 105Chapter 8: Appreciating Microbial Ancestry 107Chapter 9: Harnessing Energy, Fixing Carbon 121Chapter 10: Comparing Respiration and Fermentation 141Chapter 11: Uncovering a Variety of Habitats 157Part IV: Meeting the Microbes 179Chapter 12: Meet the Prokaryotes 181Chapter 13: Say Hello to the Eukaryotes 199Chapter 14: Examining the Vastness of Viruses 219Part V: Seeing the Impact of Microbes 237Chapter 15: Understanding Microbes in Human Health and Disease 239Chapter 16: Putting Microbes to Work: Biotechnology 261Chapter 17: Fighting Microbial Diseases 283Part VI: New Frontiers in Microbiology 299Chapter 18: Teasing Apart Communities 301Chapter 19: Synthesizing Life 313Part VII: The Part of Tens 325Chapter 20: Ten (Or So) Diseases Caused by Microbes 327Chapter 21: Ten Great Uses for Microbes 335Chapter 22: Ten Great Uses for Microbiology 341Index 349