This landmark volume provides the single most comprehensive and authoritative textbook on bacterial molecular genetics. Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses, the text presents the latest research on the subject in a clearly written and well-illustrated style. It provides descriptive background information, detailed experimental methods, examples of genetic analyses, and advanced material relevant to current applications of molecular genetics. While providing a deep understanding of bacterial molecular genetics, the material is integrated with biochemical, genomic, and structural information to broaden understanding. The approach centers on the most-studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In addition, examples from other bacteria with medical, ecological, or biotechnological significance are covered throughout the text. The material in each chapter has been substantially revised and rewritten and reflects exciting developments in the field of bacterial molecular genetics and its relationship to other fields, including genetics, biotechnology, and bioengineering. Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, 3rd Edition is organized like the two previous editions. Each chapter contains a summary of main points, descriptions of significant experiments, a set of discussion questions and a problem set (with answers to both at the back of the book), and a list of suggested readings-all updated to reflect the most recent advances in the field. Additionally, text boxes present intriguing information on each topic without interrupting the continuity of the text. This third edition is invaluable to anyone working in the fields of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, medicine, molecular biology, and biotechnology. It is also essential reading for scientists in all fields of biology, many of whom depend upon the concepts and techniques covered in this book. New in the Third Edition* Features completely revised and updated material, incorporating the most recent advances in the field since publication of the second edition in 2002* Introduces over 100 brand-new illustrations* Offers a revised and expanded glossary containing approximately 1,000 entries Key Features and Benefits* Each chapter includes a concise end-of-chapter summary of the material covered* Incorporates text boxes that introduce readers to exciting developments and related topics of interest* Provides thought questions, problems, and suggested reading lists at the conclusion of each chapter that test student comprehension and encourage further research* Written by only two authors, both of whom are specialists in the field and who have significant experience teaching the subject of bacterial molecular genetics* Integrates biochemical, genomic, and structural information that broadens the knowledge obtained from molecular genetics* Focuses on the most widely studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, but incorporates many examples from other bacteria of medical, ecological, and biotechnological importance