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Describes microbes that grow under seven extreme conditions: high temperature, acid or alkaline conditions, low concentrations of nutrients, low water activity, high salt concentrations, and high levels of toxic metals. Each chapter has a similar format: a brief introduction (including a survey of the microbes found in that environment), a discussion of the physiological and molecular basis for growth in that environment, a review of present or future uses of these microbes in biotechnology, and the genetics of the organisms. The amount of information in each section varies widely, although most are thorough in describing the basis for growth. Many of the chapters require advanced knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, or microbiology. Most of the authors are active in their fields. Each chapter provides abundant references through 1988 and has adequate tables and figures, but no photographs. Although this book would be most useful for graduate students and faculty, it could also serve as a reference for upper-division undergraduates seeking further information on these topics. -R. Seelke, University of Wisconsin--Superior
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
