GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, microbiology is rightfully considered one of the core biological disciplines, as understanding the full diversity of life on Earth, its origins, and evolution is impossible without knowledge of microorganism characteristics. In recent years, The Study of microorganisms has made a significant contribution to solving major problems in general biology. Microorganisms are extremely convenient to work with. Due to their rapid growth, high adaptability, and A number of other valuable properties, they are a preferred model Organism for biochemists and geneticists. Microorganisms play a major role in The Development of such sciences as molecular biology, biophysics, ecology, and others.

The emergence and rapid development of biotechnology are primarily based on the USE OF MICROORGANISMS as producers of commercially valuable products (Antibiotics, Enzymes, organic acids, Amino acids, Vitamins, Polysaccharides, etc.). Introduction/32.html">Genetic Engineering Methods, which allow the creation of new strains with novel useful properties, are also grounded in the utilization of microorganisms.

Of great importance is the development of Methods for the rational use of the biochemical activity of microorganisms to increase soil fertility, extract minerals, replenish energy resources, and remediate the environment.

At the same time, The Challenge of finding effective methods to combat microorganisms that cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants, as well as those that damage industrial products, food, and agricultural goods, remains urgent. Consequently, the range of problems requiring intensive and deep study of microbial properties is quite broad and can only be solved through the collaborative efforts of specialists from various fields.

The rapid development of modern biology and biotechnology necessitates the continuous updating of educational literature in relevant disciplines.

This textbook presents data on the Morphology, Taxonomy, physiology, and metabolic features of various groups of microorganisms (Bacteria, microscopic filamentous Fungi, and Yeasts) as potential objects of biotechnology.

In addition to General Principles of microbiology, which are presented in various forms in a number of Russian-language publications, this textbook covers new data absent from existing educational literature, namely:

modern phylogenetic taxonomy of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts) and the new molecular-biological and Genetic Methods upon which it is based;

anti-stress adaptive mechanisms in microorganisms;

microbial METABOLISM of mixtures of Growth and non-growth substrates and the application of these substrate transformation types in biotechnology to intensify growth processes and the synthesis of practically important metabolites;

new biotechnological products (polysaccharides, Pectins, Surfactants, modern Probiotics).

The chapters of the textbook cover:

the first chapter — The history of the formation and development of microbiology, fundamental discoveries of its laws, core ideas, and concepts that retain their significance today;

chapters two through five — General Properties of microorganisms and their position in established classifications of living organisms, the morphology of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, as well as the structural, chemical, genetic, and functional features of PROKARYOTES AND EUKARYOTES;

chapter six — the Effect of External factors on microorganisms, adaptive responses of microorganisms to stress, Nutritional types, Elective cultivation methods, and the physiology of Microbial Growth;

chapter seven — prokaryotic taxonomy, in particular the Principles of Bacterial Classification, terminology, the Modern concept of species in bacteriology, CHARACTERISTICS OF TAXA According to the 9th edition of Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology and Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, as well as MODERN TRENDS IN taxonomy and the phylogenetic classification of prokaryotes;

chapters eight and nine — General characteristics, structural and reproductive features, practical significance, taxonomy, and systematic classification (including phylogenetic) of fungi and yeasts;

chapter ten — issues of general virology, in particular the history of virology, virus Structure, Replication features of virulent and temperate phages, and Virus Classification;

chapters eleven through eighteen — features of energy and constructive metabolism in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms (METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF aerobic heterotrophs, pathways of assimilation of various carbon substrates ranging from polymers to single-carbon compounds, Types of Fermentation, Anaerobic Respiration, Photosynthesis, and other processes);

chapter nineteen — fundamentals of microbial genetics — Protein Synthesis AND The Genetic Code, Mutations and their origins, Mechanisms of Genetic information transfer and recombination;

chapter twenty — TYPES AND MECHANISMS of regulation of microbial metabolism at the level of enzyme synthesis and activity modulation;

chapter twenty-one — the participation of microorganisms in global biogeochemical cycles and the types of symbiotic and antagonistic relationships between them, as well as the stages of microbial evolution;

chapter twenty-two — ways of utilizing microorganisms in biotechnology — Biosynthesis of practically valuable metabolites, biomass-based preparations, energy production, metal biotechnology, and microbial Transformation of substances.

Each chapter concludes with Review Questions for self-assessment.

The Materials presented in this textbook serve as a foundation for further study in specialized biological disciplines (such as genetics, mycology, and virology) as well as biotechnological fields (including the technology of antibiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and other biologically active compounds).

List of Abbreviations