After thirteen years, the editors of Methods for General and Molecular Microbiology have prepared a new, state-of-the-art volume bringing this invaluable resource up to the present. This edition is much expanded with two entirely new sections on Community and Genomic Analysis and on Mycology (with emphasis on filamentous fungi) and 47 chapters compared to 31 in the previous edition.

This book will once again serve as a first source for traditional methods of microbiology as well as commonly used modern molecular microbiological methods. Covering methods for microbes representing all three domains of life--Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya--this manual should be on the bookshelf of every serious practitioner of microbiology in academia, industry, and government, and in clinical laboratories. It will serve as a rich resource on methods for seasoned professionals as well as for students at all levels.


Many of the new chapters cover important topics such as molecular genetics of archaea; molecular genetic manipulations using phages as tools; state-of-the-art technology used in studying complex, naturally occurring microbial communities; metabolism of natural polymers including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; DNA microarray technology; physiology, metabolism, molecular genetic approaches to the study of filamentous fungi, and general and molecular approaches for studying microbial symbioses.


Each section details reliable methods that are widely applicable to basic studies. Additionally, chapters present background principles to facilitate understanding of the how and why of a given method, followed by a step-by-step description of the procedure. Common problems, precautions, and pitfalls of the methods are also presented. In many cases, commercial sources for equipment and materials are also given.


Key Features



Provides a comprehensive compendium of methods used in general and molecular microbiology
Contains many new and expanded chapters, including a section on the newly important field of community and genomic analysis
Provides step-by-step coverage of procedures, with an extensive list of references to guide the user to the original literature for more complete descriptions
Presents methods for bacteria, archaea, and for the first time a section on mycology
Numerous schematics and illustrations (both color and black and white) help the reader to easily understand the topics presented
Includes chapters that are written by highly respected authorities