Methanogenesis »

Since the general recognition of the Archaebacteria, research into the evolution, metabolism, molecular biology and ecological roles of these fastidious anaerobes has proceeded at an ever-increasing pace. All possess a very novel biochemistry and many exploit unique ecological niches. Methanogens, which convert one-and-two carbon compounds into the important atmospheric gas methane, are the largest group among the Archaebacteria. Of all microbial groups, methanogens provide perhaps the best opportunity to study evolution because of their phyologenetic diversity and unique biochemistry. Today, the analysis of methanogens is at a threshold. Molecular-biological studies of these microorganisms are revealing more and more processes unique to this group, and in turn, studies of methanogens are providing new perspectives to the broader fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. This volume is the first book to be published on methanogenesis, and it will provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the field and point to future trends.

Booknews

Methanogens, which convert one- and two-carbon compounds into methane gas, are the largest, most diverse, and best-studied group in the anaerobic Archaebacteria. Of all microbial groups, methanogens provide perhaps the best opportunity to study evolution, because of their phylogenetic diversity and unique biochemistry. This volume provides a comprehensive view of the field of methanogenesis, past and present, and indicates future directions, in chapters that reveal the ecology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology which characterizes these microbes. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)