Stuart Hogg 
Essential Microbiology 

Essential Microbiology 2nd Edition is a fully revised
comprehensive introductory text aimed at students taking a first
course in the subject. It provides an ideal entry into the
world of microorganisms, considering all aspects of their biology
(structure, metabolism, genetics), and illustrates the remarkable
diversity of microbial life by devoting a chapter to each of the
main taxonomic groupings. The second part of the book introduces
the reader to aspects of applied microbiology, exploring the
involvement of microorganisms in areas as diverse as food and drink
production, genetic engineering, global recycling systems and
infectious disease.



Essential Microbiology explains the key points of each topic but
avoids overburdening the student with unnecessary detail. Now in
full colour it makes extensive use of clear line diagrams to
clarify sometimes difficult concepts or mechanisms. A companion web
site includes further material including MCQs, enabling the student
to assess their understanding of the main concepts that have been
covered.

This edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect the
developments that have occurred in recent years and includes a
completely new section devoted to medical microbiology.
Students of any life science degree course will find this a concise
and valuable introduction to microbiology.

Table of Content

Preface to Second Edition vii

Preface to First Edition ix

Acknowledgements xi

About the Companion Website xiii

I Introduction

1 Microbiology: What, Why and How? 3

2 Biochemical Principles 19

3 Cell Structure and Organisation 53

II Microbial Nutrition, Growth and Metabolism

4 Microbial Nutrition and Cultivation 83

5 Microbial Growth 97

6 Microbial Metabolism 115

III Microbial Diversity

7 Prokaryote Diversity 171

8 The Fungi 203

9 The Protista 217

10 Viruses 243

IV Microbial Genetics

11 Microbial Genetics 271

12 Microorganisms in Genetic Engineering 319

V Microorganisms in the Environment

13 Microbial Associations 345

14 Microorganisms in the Environment 357

VI Medical Microbiology

15 Human Microbial Diseases 375

16 The Control of Microorganisms 403

17 Antimicrobial Agents 419

VII Microorganisms in Industry

18 Industrial and Food Microbiology 449

Glossary 467

Further Reading 485

Index 491

About the author

Stuart Hogg, University of Glamorgan, UK