This book provides a comprehensive and detailed source of information on the
genetic and regulatory aspects of biological nitrogen fixation in free-living
(non-symbiotic) prokaryotes. Biological nitrogen fixation is represented in a
diverse range of microorganisms, among which Klebsiella pneumoniae serves as a
paradigm for the genetic analysis of diazotrophy, which is the ability to grow
with N2 as sole nitrogen source. The volume uses two major complementary
approaches to the subject matter. The initial chapters use an organismic-based
approach by concentrating on the well-characterized diazotrophic
proteobacteria, cyanobacteria, Gram-positive clostridia, and Archea. The later
chapters use a comparative process-based approach and serve as overviews
dealing with different regulatory aspects, electron transport to nitrogenase,
and molybdenum metabolism, across the range of organisms. Whenever appropriate,
historical aspects and agricultural and ecological impacts have been taken into
consideration. Each chapter contains an extensive list of references. This book
is the self-contained second volume of a comprehensive seven-volume series. No
other available work provides the up-to-date and in-depth coverage of this
series and this volume. This book is intended to serve as an indispensable
reference work for all scientists working in this and closely related fields,
to assist students to enter this challenging area of research, and to provide
science administrators easy access to vital relevant information.
