Introduction -- Getting started with microbiology -- Microbiology and you -- Microbiology: the young science -- Microbes: they're everywhere and they can do everything -- Balancing the dynamics of microbial life -- Understanding cell structure and function -- Making sense of metabolism -- Getting the gist of microbial genetics -- Measuring microbial growth -- Sorting out microbial diversity -- Appreciating microbial ancestry -- Harnessing energy, fixing carbon -- Comparing respiration and fermentation -- Uncovering a variety of habitats -- Meeting the microbes -- Meet the prokaryotes -- Say hello to the eukaryotes -- Examining the vastness of viruses -- Seeing the impact of microbes -- Understanding microbes in human health and disease -- Putting microbes to work: biotechnology -- Fighting microbial diseases -- New frontiers in microbiology -- Teasing apart communities -- Synthesizing life -- The part of tens -- Ten (or so) diseases caused by microbes -- Ten great uses for microbes -- Ten great uses for microbiology

"Does microbiology make your head spin? You're not alone. Luckily, this down-to-earth guide makes the study of this enormously encompassing subject accessible and fun. Discover how to identify a microbial pathogen, what diseases are caused by microorganisms, and the latest information on vaccines. This guide also allows you to step into, and understand, the cell. In no time, you-ll grasp life at the cellular level and transfer your knowledge of this minuscule topic to score big at exam time!"--Amazon.com