Clostridia / Edition 1

by Nigel P. Minton, David J. Clarke

Overview

To the uninitiated, the genus Clostridium is likely more to be associated with disease than biotechnology. In this volume, we have sought to remedy this misconception by compiling aseries of chapters which, together, provide a practically-oriented handbook of the biotechnologie potential of the genus. Clostridium is a broad grouping of organisms that together undertake a myriad of biocatalytic reactions. In the first two chapters, the reader is introduced to this diversity, both taxonomically and physiologically. In the following chapter, the current state of genetic analysis of members of the genus is reviewed. The remaining chapters concentrate on specific, exploit­ able aspects of individual Clostridium species-highlighting their range of unique capabilities (of potential or recognized industrial value), particu­ larly in the areas of biotransformation, enzymology, and the production of chemical fuels. Fittingly, the final chapter demonstrates that even the most toxic of the clostridia can be of therapeutic value. The contributors to this volume reflect the trans national interest in Clostridium, and we are indebted to each of them for making this volume possible. We particularly wish to acknowledge the contributions, both to this volume and to microbiology in general, of Dr. Elizabeth Cato, who, sadly, died shortly be fore publication ofthis volume. Finally, we would like to join the authors in recommending closer and wider consideration of the attributes and capabilities of this genus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306432613
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	09/30/1989
Series:	Biotechnology Handbooks , #3
Edition description:	1989
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

1 Taxonomy and Phylogeny.- 2 Introduction to the Physiology and Biochemistry of the Genus Clostridium.- 3 Genetics of Clostridium.- 4 Solvent Production.- 5 Acetogenic and Acid-Producing Clostridia.- 6 Bioconversions.- 7 Clostridial Enzymes.- 8 Toxigenic Clostridia.

Editorial Reviews

Eight chapters focus on specific, exploitable aspects of individual Clostridium species, highlighting their range of unique capabilities, particularly in the areas of biotransformation, enzymology, and the production of chemical fuels. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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