This full-color text by the well-known authors of MICROBIOLOGY, 5/e, and ELEMENTS OF MICROBIOLOGY provides the basic concepts of microbiology needed for wide range of majors--from microbiology to medical technology, pharmacy to pre-professional--and presents applications of biology relevant to a wide variety of field, including genetic engineering, environmental engineering, and food microbiology. Generously illustrated with both micrographs and line drawings, the text brings the latest information in microbiology and immunology, while also providing a substantive introduction to molecular biology. The text presents balanced coverage of all microorganisms, with equal treatment of procaryotes and eukaryotes, and clearly explains the metabolism of these organisms with text and illustrations. An end-of-chapter review guide functions as an in-text study guide.