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Overview
The fungi are one of the great groups of living organisms, comparable in numbers of species, diversity and ecological significance with animals, plants, protists and bacteria. This textbook deals with all fundamental and applied aspects of mycology, illustrated by reference to well studied species from major fungal groups. Since the publication of the first edition of The Fungi, there have been many important advances in the field of mycology. This second up-to-date edition has been revised and substantially expanded, and incorporates the application of methods of molecular biology, especially DNA technology to mycology.KEY FEATURES:
* Question and answer section at the end of each chapter
* Modern classification based on Molecular phylogeny
* Detail of the recent increased understanding of the organelles and processes involved in hyphal growth
* New molecular understanding of mating type genes
* The latest on molecular recognition in the infection process
* The use of DNA technology in engineering plant resistance to fungal diseases
* New section on medical mycology
* Fungal mycology in animals
* The latest on the use of genetically manipulated fungi to produce products earlier obtained from mammals
Audience: Students and researchers in mycology, plant science, microbiology, plant pathology, biotechnology, and general biology.
Synopsis
The Fungi provides a comprehensive microbiological perspective on the importance of fungi, one of the most diverse groups of living organisms. Their roles in the natural world and in practical applications from the preparation of foods and beverages to drug production, and their relationship with man, animals and plants are clearly described. The recent contributions of molecular biology to mycology and the development of molecular methods for the study of fungal ecology, pathology and population genetics are also covered.
This invaluable work has been completely revised and updated. With new material relating to molecular biology, this new and highly successful title continues to be essential reading for students and researchers.
New to the second edition
* Modern classification
* Medical and veterinary mycology section
* Organelles and processes involved in hyphal growth
* Molecular methods in ecology and pathology
* Production of new drugs of fungal origin
* Question and answer sections
* Colour plate section Praise for the first edition:
"An enjoyable way to survey the subject of modern mycology. We are fortunate to have this excellent textbook."
—MYCOLOGIA
"The text is beautifully written and an understanding and enthusiasm for this important group of organisms comes through on every page."
—TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
"This will improve undergraduate learning and promote a more integrated understanding of fungal biology. I will certainly use it in my teaching and am sure many others will do likewise."
—NEW PHYTOLOGIST
"The coverage is extensive and informative. I am very pleased to recommend this book to those who want to know and understand fungi."
—BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
Meriel Jones
...fills a gap between many textbooks of microbiology,biochemistry,genetics and ecology through covering topics specific to mycology that they often omit.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"... start using this in your courses if you are not already doing so...one of the best tools around."-David L. Hawksworth for Mycological Research (March 2003)
Praise for the first edition:
"The text is beautifully written and an understanding and enthusiasm for this important group of organisms comes through on every page." - Trends in Microbiology
"... the book can be highly recommended for teachers and researchers."
- European Journal of Forest Pathology
"I will certainly use it in my teaching and am sure many others will do likewise."
- New Phytologist
"An enjoyable way to survey the subject of modern mycology. We are fortunate to have this excellent textbook." - Mycologia
Nicholas P. Money
...superior to some of the competitors published in recent years. It certainly deserves consideration by instructors teaching any undergraduate course concerned with the biological activities of fungi.Meriel Jones
...fills a gap between many textbooks of microbiology,biochemistry,genetics and ecology through covering topics specific to mycology that they often omit.Booknews
An introductory text that takes a microbiological perspective to fungi, covering aspects of the fungi of importance in a wide range of disciplines. Revisions to this edition from the 1994 edition include improved presentation of the place of fungi in the major groups of organisms and new material on how hyphae and yeast cells grow, mating in fungi and genetic recombination in nature, threats to fungal biodiversity and conversation issues, the molecular basis of fungal pathogenicity, and medical mycology. Chapters end with questions<-- >answers appear at the end of the text. B&w illustrations, with a half dozen in color. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)From The Critics
Reviewer: Kristina Georgakas, MT(ASCP)(Dynacare Laboratories)Description: This in-depth study of fungi provides a detailed description of the diversity and classification of fungi, the growth characteristics and importance of spores, and the role of fungi in the environment as well their use in industry and the biological sciences. The first edition was published in 1994.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide useful information on the classification, morphology, methods of identification, and integration of fungi to other studies. These are worthy goals because fungi are becoming increasingly important, not only in the clinical setting, but also in molecular biology, biotechnology, and environmental studies. The book meets the objectives well.
Audience: The target audience is students in a variety of life sciences. The author feels that the study of fungi is necessary for students in many different branches of the life sciences, but due to the in-depth nature of this book, it may be best suited to students interested in advanced knowledge of the fungi.
Features: This book provides an extensive review of the fungal classifications. It also covers fungal growth and the effects of environmental factors on this growth. It does a good job of organizing the extensive and often confusing descriptions of the fungal classifications. The diagrams and photographs provide good visual descriptions and reviews. The book effectively shows the role of fungi in the environment and in biotechnology. Each chapter provides additional reading and references, including pertinent Web sites.
Assessment: This book should be useful to its target audience with its extensive range of information on fungi. It should be of value to a broad range of students in the life sciences because of its in-depth introduction to the world of fungi. This book presents the basics of fungi, allowing students to then move on to specific areas of study.
4 Stars! from Doody