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"We can't see them, but microbes are the dominant form of life on Earth. They make up half of the world's biomass. They were here billions of years before we were, and they will be here after we are gone. Without their activity, life as we know it would be impossible. Even within our own bodies, there are ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells. Understanding Microbes provides a clear, accessible introduction to this world of microbes. As well as looking at a selection of infectious diseases, including how they are prevented and treated, the book explores the importance of microbes in the environment, in the production and preservation of food, and their applications in biotechnology.This lively and engaging book provides the basics of microbiology, in a contemporary context. It will be equally useful for students across the biological, environmental and health sciences, and for the curious reader wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject. A highly-readable, concise introduction to the basics of microbiology placed in the context of the very latest developments in molecular biology and their impact on the microbial world. Numerous real-world examples range from how cows digest grass to the role of microbes in cancer and the impact of climate change Well-illustrated in full colour throughout. Written by an Author with a proven track record in teaching, writing and research"--Provided by publisher.

Microbiologie. --- Microorganismes. --- Biomasse. --- Microbiological Phenomena. --- Microbial Interactions. --- Biomass. --- Environmental Microbiology.

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Groundbreaking research over the last 10 years has given rise to the hologenome concept of evolution. This concept posits that the holobiont (host plus all of its associated microorganisms) and its hologenome (sum of the genetic information of the host and its symbiotic microorganisms), acting in concert, function as a unique biological entity and therefore as a level of selection in evolution. All animals and plants harbor abundant and diverse microbiota, including viruses. Often the amount of symbiotic microorganisms and their combined genetic information far exceed that of their host. The microbiota with its microbiome, together with the host genome, can be transmitted from one generation to the next and thus propagate the unique properties of the holobiont. The microbial symbionts and the host interact in a cooperative way that affects the health of the holobiont within its environment. Beneficial microbiota protects against pathogens, provides essential nutrients, catabolizes complex polysaccharides, renders harmful chemicals inert, and contributes to the performance of the immune system. In humans and animals, the microbiota also plays a role in behavior. The sum of these cooperative interactions characterizes the holobiont as a unique biological entity. Genetic variation in the hologenome can be brought about by changes in either the host genome or the microbial population genomes (microbiome). Evolution by cooperation can occur by amplifying existing microbes, gaining novel microbiota and by acquiring microbial and viral genes. Under environmental stress, the microbiome can change more rapidly and in response to more processes than the host organism alone and thus influences the evolution of the holobiont. Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and phage therapy are discussed as applied aspects of the hologenome concept.

Evolution (Biology). --- Life sciences. --- Microbial genomics. --- Microbiology. --- Zoology. --- Symbiogenesis --- Microbial genomics --- Evolution (Biology) --- Genomics --- Genetic Processes --- Eukaryota --- Biological Processes --- Biology --- Microbial Interactions --- Genome --- Organisms --- Biological Phenomena --- Biological Science Disciplines --- Genetic Structures --- Genetic Phenomena --- Microbiological Processes --- Phenomena and Processes --- Natural Science Disciplines --- Microbiological Phenomena --- Disciplines and Occupations --- Plants --- Microbiology --- Genetics --- Symbiosis --- Biological Evolution --- Metagenome --- Health & Biological Sciences --- Evolution --- Microbial biology --- Biosciences --- Sciences, Life --- Animal evolution --- Animals --- Biological evolution --- Darwinism --- Evolutionary biology --- Evolutionary science --- Origin of species --- Evolutionary biology. --- Life Sciences. --- Evolutionary Biology. --- Natural history --- Microorganisms --- Science --- Biological fitness --- Homoplasy --- Natural selection --- Phylogeny --- Microbial genetics