BACTERIAL ADHESION Molecular and Ecological Diversity Edited byMadilyn Fletcher Over the last twenty years, research has revealed the enormouscomplexity underlying the phenomenon of bacterial adhesion. Theinitial research goal was to understand the mechanism of attachmentand its effects on the bacteria as well as the host. As researchprogressed, however, it became evident that many differentattachment mechanisms exist. These diverse forms of adhesion arethe results of numerous evolutionary pressures, and each may bepart of a larger behavioral strategy. This comprehensive overview details how diversity in habitat andecological requirements has led to enormous variety in adhesivecell components, underlying genetic determinants, and behavioralstrategies. It presents the latest research on adhesion mechanismsand strategies found in diverse environments and microorganisms,including the new environment of biomaterials. Bacterial Adhesion: Molecular and Ecological Diversity examinesadhesion as a strategy for nutrient access and as a phase in thecomplex behavior of life cycle processes. It covers the latestresearch and innovative approaches in the field, including:* Conceptual advances in research on the adhesion of bacteria tooral surfaces* Enhancing colonization in a fluctuating environment* The cellulosome: a cell-surface organelle for the adhesion to anddegradation of cellulose* Pseudomonas aeruginosa--versatile attachment mechanisms* Sensing, response, and adaptation to surfaces* Myxococcus coadhesion and role in the life cycle Edited by a leading authority on bacterial adhesion and featuringcontributions from the field's leading experts, this book speaks toresearchers in all areas of microbiology, biotechnology,environmental technology, and environmental science, as well asurology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Bacterial Adhesion: Molecular and Ecological Diversity is thelatest addition to the Wiley Series in Ecological and AppliedMicrobiology. Recent books in the series include:* Microbial Transformation and Degradation of Toxic OrganicChemicals edited by Lily Y. Young and Carl E. Cerniglia* Wastewater Microbiology by Gabriel Bitton* Environmental Microbiology edited by Ralph Mitchell* Biotechnology in Plant Disease Control edited by Ilan Chet* Antarctic Microbiology edited by E. Imre Friedmann* Effects of Acid Rain on Forest Processes edited by Douglas L.Godbold and Aloys Huttermann