Thermophilic Bacteria

Book excerpt: Thermophilic Bacteria is a comprehensive volume that describes all major bacterial groups that can grow above 60-65°C (excluding the Archaea). Over 60 different species of aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacteria are covered. Isolation, growth methods, characterization and identification, ecology, metabolism, and enzymology of thermophilic bacteria are examined in detail, and an extensive compilation of recent biotechnological applications and the properties of many thermostable enzymes are also included. Major topics discussed in the book include a general review on thermophilic bacteria and archaea; heterotropic bacilli; the genus Thermus; new and rare genera of aerobic heterophophs, such as Saccharococcus, Rhodothermus, and Scotohermus; aerobic chemolithoautotrophic thermophilic bacteria; obligately anaerobic thermophilic bacteria; and hyperthermophilic Thermotogales and thermophilic phototrophs. Extensive bibliographies are also provided for each chapter. The vast amount of information packed into this one volume makes it essential for all microbiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and students interested in the expanding field of thermophilicity. Biotechnologists will find the book useful as a source of information on thermophiles or thermostable enzymes of possible industrial use.