Microbes: The Foundation Stone of the Biosphere

This collection of essays discusses fascinating aspects of the concept that microbes are at the root of all ecosystems. The content is divided into seven parts, the first of those emphasizes that microbes not only were the starting point, but sustain the rest of the biosphere and shows how life evolves through a perpetual struggle for habitats and niches. Part II explains the ways in which microbial life persists in some of the most extreme environments, while Part III presents our understanding of the core aspects of microbial metabolism. Part IV examines the duality of the microbial world, acknowledging that life exists as a balance between certain processes that we perceive as being environmentally supportive and others that seem environmentally destructive. In turn, Part V discusses basic aspects of microbial symbioses, including interactions with other microorganisms, plants and animals. The concept of microbial symbiosis as a driving force in evolution is covered in Part VI. In closing, Part VII explores the adventure of microbiological research, including some reminiscences from and perspectives on the lives and careers of microbe hunters.Given its mixture of science and philosophy, the book will appeal to scientists and advanced students of microbiology, evolution and ecology alike.

Auteur
Christon J. Hurst Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

and Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali, Valle Colombia

Contenu

Part I: Recognizing the Role of Microorganisms in our World

Chapter 1: Our living world rests upon a foundation of microorganisms: the constant struggle for habitat and niche

Author: Christon J. Hurst ^

Chapter 2: Darwin's Science's Impact on the Evolution of the Microbiological Sciences

Author: Kenneth M. Noll ^

Chapter 3: Microbes and marine sediments: a life-long relationship on Earth's Biosphere

Author: Jerónimo Pan ^

Chapter 4: The Democracy of Dirt: relating Micro-scale dynamics to macro-scale ecosystem function

Author: Joshua Schimel ^ Part II: Microbial life persists within even the most extreme environments

Chapter 5: The concept of evanescent microbial ecosystems in Earth's atmosphere

Author: Dale Warren Griffin ^

Chapter 6: When the vital signs of microbial life go cold, does that mean the pulse is gone? Microbial life persists at the limits of cryoenvironments on Earth

Author: Jacqueline Marie Goordial ^

Chapter 7: Lithotrophic (Stone Eating) Microbes Provide the Foundation for Deep Subsurface Ecosystems

Author: Thomas L. Kieft ^ &l^&l^

Part III: Understanding the core values of microbial metabolism

Chapter 8: Miraculous fixation of molecular nitrogen from the atmosphere

Author: Vladimír Klaban ^

Chapter 9: Mutagens, radicals, rocket fuel and laughing gas - stringing metabolic modules to survive on nitrogenous poisons

Authors: Martin G. Klotz and Lisa Y. Stein ^ &l

Chapter 10: The grand microbial variety show

Author: Aharon Oren ^ ^t;^gt;

Part IV: Microbes established and sustain life <...