The authoritative text for introductory microbiology, Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 12/e, continues its long tradition of impeccable scholarship, outstanding art and photos, and accuracy. It balances the most current coverage with the major classical and contemporary concepts essential for understanding microbiology. Now reorganized for greater flexibility and updated with new content, the authors’ clear, accessible writing style speaks to today’s readers while maintaining the depth and precision they need. Microorganisms and Microbiology, A Brief Journey to the Microbial World, Chemistry of Cellular Components, Structure/Function in Bacteria and Archaea, Nutrition, Culture and Metabolism of Microorganisms, Microbial Growth, Essentials of Molecular Biology, Archael and Eukaryotic Molecular Biology, Regulation of Gene Expression, Overview of Viruses and Virology, Principles of Bacterial Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Microbial Genomics, Microbial Evolution and Systematics, Bacteria: The Proteobacteria, Bacteria: Gram-Positive and Other Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotic Microorganisms, Viral Diversity, Metabolic Diversity: Photography, Autotrophy, Chemlithotrophy, and Nitrogen Fixation, Metabolic Diversity: Catabolism of Organic Compounds, Methods in Microbial Ecology, Microbial Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles, Bioremediation, and Symbioses, Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology, Antimicrobial Agents and Pathogenicity, Microbial Interactions with Humans, Essentials of Immunology, Immunology in Host Defense and Disease, Molecular Immunology, Diagnostic and Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology, Person-to-Person Microbial Diseases, Vectorborne and Soilborne Diseases, Wastewater Treatment, Water Purification, and Waterborne Microbial Diseases, Food Preservation and Foodborne Microbial Diseases. Intended for those interested in learning the basics of microbiology.