Bacteria are the most ubiquitous of all organisms. Responsible for a number of diseases and for many of the chemical cycles on which life depends, they are gene

Bacteria are the most ubiquitous of all organisms being responsible not only for a number of diseases but also for many of the chemical cycles on which life on

How small can a free-living organism be? On the surface, this question is straightforward-in principle, the smallest cells can be identified and measured. But u

This open access book offers the first comprehensive account of the pan-genome concept and its manifold implications. The realization that the genetic repertoir

An exploration of the raw power of genetic material to refashion itself to any purpose... Virtually all organisms contain multiple mobile DNAs that can move fro