Microbes in Practice deals with almost every aspect of human existence, identifying important technologies that are critical to fulfilling the potential of microbes. Microbiology impinges mostly with the large group of fungi, bacteria and viruses which equal in diversity and physiological phenomena the more traditional group of organisms within the disciplines of botany and zoology. During recent years the study of microorganisms has contributed important insights into the basic problems of biology. Because of their ease of manipulation, rapid growth, highly developed capacity for adaptation, and other properties, microorganisms are one of the preferred objects of research in biochemistry and genetics.

The topics and techniques covered in this book reflect this diversity. The methods described are in simple language supplemented with illustrations and media. The chapters include results and flow charts. The subject matter and the results are illustrated with clear line diagrams.

Beginning with the characteristic difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and the classification of microorganisms the book outlines the various methods used to characterize and cultivate different forms of microbes, the different media used and the procedures involved in the isolation and characterization of microorganisms. Several staining procedures, chemical compositions of media, biochemical tests, medical microbiology and immunology, microbes in relation to plants, waste management, industrial application, aquatic environment and soil are covered in different chapters. Separate chapters have been formulated for dairy and food microbiology and medical microbiology and immunology with application of the membrane filter technique. Mushroom cultivation technology is described in depth. The exercises keep in mind the hazards of chemicals and only those exercises which minimize the exposure of students to potentially pathogenic organisms and hazardous chemicals are given.