Microbial Physiology, 4th Edition [Paperback]

Albert G. Moat (Editor), John W. Foster (Editor), Michael P. Spector (Editor), Michael P. Sector (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0471394831 | ISBN-13: 978-0471394839 | Edition: 4

The Fourth Edition of Microbial Physiology retains the logical, easy-to-follow organization of the previous editions. An introduction to cell structure and synthesis of cell components is provided, followed by detailed discussions of genetics, metabolism, growth, and regulation for anyone wishing to understand the mechanisms underlying cell survival and growth. This comprehensive reference approaches the subject from a modern molecular genetic perspective, incorporating new insights gained from various genome projects.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…a useful addition to the library of any teach or researcher in microbiology." (Biomolecular Engineering, March 2003)

"...expanded and reorganized based upon the rapid growth in the field since the last edition...highly recommended..." (E-Streams, Vol.5, No. 12, December 2002)

"Microbial Physiology (4th ed.) by Moat, Foster, and Spector is much improved compared to previous editions. The graphics in particular are vastly enhanced, making this a very useful book." (ASM News)

Review

"[Microbial Physiology, Fourth Edition] is the best available text in the field today and a must for any microbiologist needing an up-to-date knowledge of the biochemistry and molecular biology of metabolism in microorganisms.... I recommend it highly!" —Alan D. Antoine, Ph.D., Dept. of Biochemistry & Microbiology, Rutgers University

"[Microbial Physiology, Fourth Edition] will be welcomed as a book for teaching at several levels, and as a handbook for reasearchers in various fields of microbial physiology." —Arthur L. Koch, Biology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 736 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Liss; 4 edition (July 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471394831
• ISBN-13: 978-0471394839
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #981,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Takes the Toilet Bowl, May 15, 2006

By 

J. D. Haimes (Boulder/Austin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microbial Physiology, 4th Edition (Paperback)

While some comment that this is the best text for the field, I reply that the best just isn't good enough.

I have just finished an upper-division undergraduate course entitled Metabolism and Biochemistry of Microorganisms, for which nearly all chapters of this 700-page text were prescribed. As a fourth year Cell and Molecular Biology major, I have encountered several texts written on the 'hard' sciences and I must say, this is - without question - the absolute worst text I have come across thus far. No other text comes to mind that even comes close to such poor quality as Microbial Physiology (4th edition - Moat/Foster/Spector).

First, and most importantly, the chapters are LACED WITH ERRORS! My professor for the course is an extremely knowledgeable microbiologist, and he pointed out several errors each week in lecture. Some errors are blatant, others more obscure, but the editors of this text owe it another go (or two, or three).

Second, the text is poorly written. One sentence and the next often have nothing in common, paragraphs don't use introductory or conclusion sentences, and sentences are very blunt and rarely elaborate for clarity. This is a fourth edition, but it reads like a (very rough) first draft.

The often captionless figures and tables are sparse, confusing, and look as though they were drafted with early editions of MS Word - generally next to useless. I suggest a flip through the pages before making a purchase - you'll see what I mean. Additionally, images are of low resolution and sparse as well. Not a spot of color can be found in this text, save the paperback cover.

Final thoughts: The content might be here (when accurate), but the presentation renders it more of a chore than a tool. If this really is the definitive text on Microbial Physiology, you'd probably be better off combining two or more related texts that are of higher caliber. Or, just ask the PI down the hall.

This goes without saying, but this text held a temporary place in my library. For these efforts, I award Microbial Physiology with the Toilet Bowl Award.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a knowlegable microbiologst, August 13, 2010

By 

Mary Spencer (Lincoln, NE United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microbial Physiology, 4th Edition (Paperback)

Whlie the other reviewers comments were poor on this item I want to point out they were both undergraduates who had, according to one reviewer, a very good microbiologist as a professor. I recently received my PhD and this book was invaluable. That said, it is invalubable from a practicing or learned microbiologist. There are errors but if you keep up with current literature you know these and can cite accordingly. If you are a graduate student or higher I strongly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Microbial Book, April 30, 2011

By 

C. Mark III "E.studiante" (WA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microbial Physiology, 4th Edition (Paperback)

Good book. Flows well and fairly easy to read. The price was good on Amazon. Overall happy with purchase.