Genome-reduced, wall-less, and fastidious bacteria of the genera Spiroplasma, Mycoplasma, Phytoplasma and allies belonging to the class Mollicutes, are known for a number of unique microbiological features, which have prompted researchers to investigate their basic, applied, and medical aspects. They are mostly parasitic or symbiotic to a variety of animals and plants, living on or within the eukaryotic cells. Spiroplasmas, recognized by their characteristic spiral shape and active twitching motility, are associated with insects and/or plants. S. poulsonii causes remarkable reproductive phenotype, called male-killing, of their insect hosts. S. citri and S. kunkelii are notorious as devastating pathogens of citrus and maize, respectively. Mycoplasmas are not only medically important as human and animal pathogens like M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium, but also intensively investigated as minimal-genome bacterial models. Microbial genome synthesis and engineering technologies have been developed mainly on M. mycoides and M. capricolum. Some mycoplasmas are known for their capability of unique gliding motility. Phytoplasmas are obligatorily parasitic to plant phloem tissues and vectored by plant-sucking insects, often causing spectacular plant phenotypes like phyllody, virescence, witch’s broom, etc.

was the result of the efforts of Robert Cleverdon. The rapidly developing discipline of molecular biology and the rapidly expanding knowledge of the PPLO were brought together at this meeting. In addition to the PPLO specialists, the conference invited Julius Marmur to compare PPLO DNA to DNA of other organisms; David Garfinkel, who was one of the first to develop computer models of metabolism; Cyrus Levinthal to talk about coding; and Henry Quastler to discuss information theory constraints on very small cells. The conference was an announcement of the role of PPLO in the fundamental understanding of molecular biology. Looking back 40-some years to the Connecticut meeting, it was a rather bold enterprise. The meeting was international and inter-disciplinary and began a series of important collaborations with influences resonating down to the present. If I may be allowed a personal remark, it was where I first met Shmuel Razin, who has been a leading figure in the emerging mycoplasma research and a good friend. This present volume is in some ways the fulfillment of the promise of that early meeting. It is an example of the collaborative work of scientists in building an understanding of fundamental aspects of biology.

This book is based mainly on invited and offered papers presented at the Second International Symposium on Bacterial and Bacteria-like Contaminants of Plant Tissue Cultures held at University College, Cork, Ireland in September 1996, with additional invited papers. The First International Symposium on Bacterial and Bacteria-like Contaminants of Plant Tissue Cultures was held at the same venue in 1987 and was published as Acta Horticulturae volume 225, 1988. In the intervening years there have been considerable advances in both plant disease diagnostics and in the development of structured approaches to the management of disease and microbial contamination in micropropagation. These approaches have centred on attempts to separate, spatially, the problems of disease transmission and laboratory contamination. Disease-control is best achieved by establishing pathogen-free cultures while laboratory contamination is based on subsequent good working practice. Control of losses due to pathogens and microbial contamination in vitro addresses, arguably, the most importance causes of losses in the industry; nevertheless, losses at and post establishment can also be considerable due to poor quality microplants or micro-shoots. In this symposium, a holistic approach to pathogen and microbial contamination control is evident with the recognition that micropropagators must address pathogen and microbial contamination in vitro, and diseases and microplant failure at establishment. There is increasing interest in establishing beneficial bacterial and mycorrhizal association with microplants in vitro and in vivo.

This comprehensive manual of phytobacteriology is heavily illustrated with over 200 colour photographs and line illustrations. It begins by outlining the history and science of bacteriology and gives an overview of the diversity and versatility of complex bacteria. It then explains the characterization, identification and naming of complex bacteria, and explores how bacteria can cause disease and how plants react to such disease. The book also discusses the economic importance of bacterial diseases as well as strategies for their control and the reduction of crop losses. It concludes with fifty examples of plant pathogenic bacteria and the diseases that they cause.

Phloem: Molecular Cell Biology, Systemic Communication, Biotic Interactions is a timely collection of research on the cellular and molecular biology of this plant vascular tissue. Recent advances in phloem research have revealed the centrality of this plant tissue to whole plant development and physiology. Building on advances made through developments of new analytical technologies, this book will provide readers with a current and comprehensive reference on the role of phloem in plant growth and development. Collecting the work of a global team of leading researchers, Phloem will provide the reader with a valuable synthesis of the latest research in a single volume.

Preface INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF MICROBIOLOGY EVOLUTION OF MICROORGANISM CLASSIFICATION OF MICROORGANISM NOMENCLATURE AND BERGEY'S MANUAL BACTERIA VIRUSES BACTERIAL VIRUSES PLANT VIRUSES THE ANIMAL VIRUSES ARCHAEA MYCOPLASMA PHYTOPLASMA GENERAL ACCOUNT OF CYANOBACTERIA GRAM -ve BACTERIA GRAM +ve BACTERIA EUKARYOTA APPENDIX-1 Prokaryotes Notable for their Environmental Significance APPENDIX-2 Medically Important Chemoorganotrophs APPENDIX-3 Terms Used to Describe Microorganisms According to Their Metabolic Capabilities QUESTIONS Short & Essay Type Questions; Multiple Choice Questions INDEX.

Revisit the work of a pioneering innovator… • Explores the field of bacterial population genetics by highlighting the work of Thomas S. Whittam, best known for his work with enterohemorrhagic E. coli. • Features a compilation of research projects and ideas stemming from Dr. Whittam’s work that presents a broad perspective on the historical development of bacterial population genetics.