Koki Horikoshi — discoverer of the alkaliphiles, microbes that thrive in alkaline environments — describes in his autobiography how the research on extremophiles started and developed. He is a pioneer in the study of these microorganisms that thrive in extreme conditions, and in his book he opens a new vista of the microbial world, pushing the field to expand from the surface of the Earth to the subsurface, to the deep sea and outer space. All major developments in extremophiles research are covered, stretching back to the historical use of microbes in mixed fermentation, indigo dyeing and the pasteurisation of sake. Events in Horikoshi’s life provide many valuable insights into the life of a budding scientist, inspired by the Renaissance culture of Florence that led him to the discovery of the alkaliphiles. Our daily lives have been greatly affected by Horikoshi’s research, such as the extensive screening he conducted for enzymes produced by alkaliphiles, now applied in many industries from biological laundry detergents to pharmaceutics. The book also reflects on numerous milestone events and people who contributed to the establishment of this field, including colleagues from all over the world. This book is a good read for all microbiologists, encouraging readers to reach out to new worlds and discoveries. It will be treasured by all those interested in a life of a real pioneer.

One of the most fascinating aspects of alkaliphiles is their ability to maintain pH homeostasis under extreme environmental conditions. This work provides a treatment of alkaliphilic microbiology, supported by molecular studies on the genetics of alkaliphilic "Bacillus" strain. Genomic analysis of "Bacillus halodurans" C-125 has been started and the genes responsible for alkaliphily are described. In addition to a basic background of alkaliphiles, including discussions of cell structures, physiology and molecular biology, "Alkaliphiles" presents an analysis of extracellular enzymes. Research on numerous enzymes including alkaline proteases, starch-degrading enzymes, cellulases, mannan-degrading enzymes, and many others is described in depth with relevant industrial applications.

This text is devoted to a particular class of microbe & focuses on its ecology, systematics, physiological & molecular biology. Also included is a discussion of potentially exploitable biotechnological & industrial uses for extremophiles.

This book includes the descriptions of all bacterial cytochromes so far purified and characterized. The bacterial cytochromes are classified on the basis of their functions and are listed in a large number of tables for the convenience of the reader. The author himself is the discoverer of the nitrite reductase of the cd1-type; therefore, the nitrite reductase is described in great detail.

One of the most heavily researched proteins in existence, cytochrome c has proved irresistible to chemists and biophysicists for decades. This volume serves as a source book to update the vast body of literature compiled on this protein over the last 40 years. Chapters from an internationally renowned group of experts provide extensive coverage of structural studies, spectroscopic properties, thermodynamic properties, electron transfer kinetics and protein modification. "... a valuable addition to the cytochrome literature; I will certainly get a copy for my group." Dr G. R. Moore, University of East Anglia "For any and all students of the science of cytochrome c, this is an indispensable text." SIM News