General Microbiology - Schlegel, H. 1987

Editor's Preface to the Translation

Today, microbiology rightly stands as one of the core disciplines of biology, as understanding the CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROORGANISMS is essential to grasping the vast diversity of life on Earth, its origins, and its evolution. The Study of microorganisms has been, and continues to be, of paramount importance for the advancement of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biophysics, ecology, and numerous other fields.

The emergence and rapid expansion of biotechnology, which plays an increasingly vital role in the national economy, rely fundamentally on utilizing microorganisms as producers of a wide array of valuable substances, such as Single-Cell Protein, various Enzymes, Antibiotics, steroid Pharmaceuticals, Amino Acids, Vitamins, and more. The potential of microorganisms in this regard is extraordinarily vast. Furthermore, Introduction/32.html">Genetic Engineering techniques—which enable the creation of novel strains with beneficial properties capable of synthesizing critical compounds—are built entirely upon microbial Applications.

Developing efficient Methods to harness the biochemical activity of microorganisms is of great significance for enhancing soil fertility, biomining, replenishing energy resources, and bioremediation of various environmental pollutants.

At the same time, it remains crucial to devise effective strategies for combating certain microorganisms that cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants, as well as those responsible for the degradation of industrial Materials and undesirable environmental alterations. Consequently, the range of issues requiring intensive and in-depth study of microbial properties is exceptionally broad, and can only be addressed through the collaborative efforts of specialists from diverse backgrounds who are also well-versed in the biology of these microscopic life forms.

The rapid accumulation of knowledge across various subfields of microbiology, much like in many other sciences, creates a constant need to update textbooks for students enrolled in these courses.

Recent years have seen the publication of numerous manuals on microbiology that reflect, to varying degrees, the latest breakthroughs in the field. One such work is the new edition of General Microbiology by Professor H. G. Schlegel of the University of Göttingen (FRG), which was first published in 1969 and has since been

reissued eight times. An earlier edition was translated into Russian and published by Mir Publishers in 1972. This textbook has proven to be an exceptionally useful resource for biology students at universities and various other higher education institutions offering courses in microbiology.

The strengths of Professor Schlegel's textbook lie in the author's ability to present the fundamentals of microbiology concisely while capturing the full breadth and Significance of the science. The textbook places a particularly strong emphasis on the physiology and metabolic processes of various bacterial groups, which constitute the primary subjects of microbiological study.

Compared to previous editions, the book has been updated with a wealth of new data concerning recently discovered microbial forms (such as archaebacteria), along with advancements in the biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and ecology of diverse microbes, as well as their Structure/179.html">Practical Applications. The material is presented with clarity, well-organized, and easily digestible, aided by a rich collection of illustrations and tables. In its scope, the textbook closely aligns with the general microbiology courses taught to university biology students. However, there is every reason to believe it will also prove valuable to graduate students, researchers, and professionals working across various sectors of the microbiological industry.

E. N. Kondratieva