Designed as an upper-level textbook and a reference for researchers, this important book concentrates on central concepts of the bacterial lifestyle. Taking a refreshingly new approach, it present an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of an interacting population. Beginning with a description of cellular structures, the text proceeds through metabolic pathways and metabolic reactions to the genes and regulatory mechanisms. At a higher level of complexity, a discussion of cell differentiation processes is followed by a description of the diversity of prokaryotes and their role in the biosphere. A closing section deals with man and microbes (ie, applied microbiology). The first text to adopt an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of a population. Vividly illustrates the diversity of the prokaryotic world - nearly all the metabolic diversity in living organisms is found in microbes. New developments in applied microbiology highlighted. Extensive linking between related topics allows easy navigation through the book.  Essential definitions and conclusions highlighted. Supplementary information in boxes.