Summary

The latest developments in molecular genetics of microorganisms, with special emphasis on their practical applications, are described in this book. The authors have had many years of experience in both research and university teaching and have concentrated on clarity of presentation when preparing the text. The material is presented in an easy-to-read manner and is illustrated throughout by a number of original schematic drawings and graphs. Emphasising the recent advances in molecular genetics and genetic engineering, the book provides the reader with a concise overview of the molecular basis of heredity of microorganisms, their variability and the possibilities to interfere usefully with their production ability. The book assumes only an elementary knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. It is written for technical staff and scientific workers in the food industry, fermentation processes and agricultural production, and will provide readers in related fields with a useful source of basic informationon the progress of molecular genetics."