Bacteria: The Benign, the Bad, and the Beautiful

A comprehensive, reader-friendly introduction to the world ofbacteria When most people hear the word "bacteria" they think of foodpoisoning; infections; and acute, debilitating, or fatal diseases.Yet, while E. coli, strep, and other bacterial pathogenscertainly cause their share of misery in the world, they are only atiny portion of a vast universe of microorganisms—the mostbasic of life forms. Without them, nothing else could live or growon Planet Earth. Bacteria: The Benign, the Bad, and theBeautiful introduces you to this diverse, microscopic world andexplains the fundamental microbiological concepts you need toexplore the life and behavior of bacteria. Even if you have noprevious background in the subject, the book's clear, jargon-freelanguage tells you what you need to know about:The origins and evolution of bacteriaSome of the fundamental ways in which bacteria have shaped theworldBacteria commonly found in the healthy human bodyAntibiotics and the growing problem of resistanceMarine microbiology, bacterial toxins, and enzymesBacterial genetics and genomicsBacteria that survive in extreme environments, such as boilingwaterAnd much moreThis comprehensive guide features custom-drawn, black-and-whiteillustrations by artist Karoly Farkas, and it illuminates itspoints through real-world examples and engaging stories. Discrete,topic-by-topic structure, text-box summaries of background science,and a helpful glossary make for quick and easy reference. Whetheryou are a science professional in need of information on bacteriaoutside of your specialty, a student in search of a solidintroduction, or a curious reader looking for fascinating andreliable information, Bacteria: The Benign, the Bad, and theBeautiful is the resource you need.