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Myxomycetes
Biology, Systematics, Biogeography and Ecology
- 2nd Edition - September 19, 2021
- Editors: Carlos Rojas, Steven L. Stephenson
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 4 2 8 1 - 0
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 4 2 8 2 - 7
Myxomycetes: Biology, Systematics, Biogeography and Ecology, Second Edition provides a complete collection of general and technical information on myxomycetes microorga… Read more
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Request a sales quoteMyxomycetes: Biology, Systematics, Biogeography and Ecology, Second Edition provides a complete collection of general and technical information on myxomycetes microorganisms. Its broad scope takes an integrated approach, considering a number of important aspects surrounding their genetics and molecular phylogeny. The book treats myxomycetes as a distinct group from fungi and includes molecular information that discusses systematics and evolutionary pathways. Written and developed by an international team of specialists, this second edition contains updated information on all aspects of myxomycetes. It incorporates relevant and new material on current barcoding developments, plasmodial network experimentation, and non-STEM disciplinary assimilation of myxomycete information.
This book is a unique and authoritative resource for researchers in organismal biology and ecology disciplines, as well as students and academics in biology, ecology, microbiology, and similar subject areas.
Cover image used with permission from Steve Young Photography
- Written in a simple, concise and relatively non-technical style, allowing for a broad readership within biological, environmental and life science programs at academic and research institutions
- Contains the comprehensive body of information available on myxomycetes under one cover, with contributions from the leading authorities in their respective areas of expertise
- Provides straightforward, compiled information about myxomycetes and the potential of this group for basic and applied research
- Offers completely updated material in every chapter, including new material on barcoding and Physarum polycephalum biological factors
Researchers in disciplines such as organismal biology, general biology, biodiversity, ecology, microbiology, or environmental science. Advanced students and academics in biology, ecology, microbiology, and similar subject area courses
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- List of contributors
- Preface
- Chapter 1. The myxomycetes: introduction, basic biology, life cycles, genetics, and reproduction
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Morphology of fruiting bodies
- Fruiting body types
- Myxomycete terminology
- Myxomycete life cycle stages
- Genetics and reproduction
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 2. The history of the study of myxomycetes
- Abstract
- The early period
- The first scientific studies
- Arthur and Gulielma Lister
- More recent studies in Europe
- Studies in the United States
- Studies throughout the world
- Funding for research
- Future studies of myxomycetes
- References
- Further reading
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 3. The phylogeny and phylogenetically based classification of myxomycetes
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Phylogenetic revolution in taxonomy
- Marker genes for myxomycetes
- Obtaining sequences of myxomycete DNA
- How to build a tree?
- Where are myxomycetes in the tree of life?
- Major branches of the myxomycete tree
- Morphology versus phylogeny
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 4. The metagenomic approach in myxomycete research
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methodology
- The picture emerging from metagenomic data
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 5. Genomics and gene expression in myxomycetes
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Nucleolar DNA: minichromosomes with rDNA genes
- Chromosomes and chromosomal DNA
- Small, noncoding RNAs
- Mitochondrial DNA in myxomycetes
- Relationships within the myxomycetes based on mtDNA structure
- Mitochondrial insertional cotranscriptional RNA editing in the myxomycetes (MICOTREM)
- Concluding remarks and areas of future research
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 6. Molecular techniques and current research approaches
- Abstract
- Part A: A synthesis of the current knowledge on molecular techniques used for the recording of biodiversity and ecological analyses
- Part B: Comparative molecular biology and use of myxomycetes as model organisms
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 7. Physiology and biochemistry of myxomycetes
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Metabolites of myxomycetes
- Research methods used in the study of metabolites
- Research methods in the study of bioactivity
- Acknowledgment
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 8. Taxonomy and systematics: current knowledge and approaches on the taxonomic treatment of Myxomycetes: updated version
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Definition of taxonomy, systematics, and nomenclature
- Brief history of the taxonomy of the myxomycetes
- Gross systematics within myxomycetes
- The new era of taxonomy: how new technologies can help to resolve classical taxonomic problems
- Challenges in taxonomy
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 9. Ecology and distribution of myxomycetes
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods of study
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 10. Biogeographical patterns in myxomycetes
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Myxomycete biogeography—what can we see?
- Two hundred years of fruiting body–based diversity research in myxomycetes
- Diversity and species composition of myxomycete communities from major ecosystems of the world
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 11. Techniques for recording and isolating myxomycetes: updated
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Field collections
- Isolation of myxomycetes by laboratory culture
- Summary
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 12. Integrated biology of Physarum polycephalum: cell biology, biophysics, and behavior of plasmodial networks
- Abstract
- Physarum polycephalum in a nutshell
- Network morphology, cytoplasmic flows, and movement
- Cellular memory, decision-making, and biochemical circuits
- The genetic basis of the complexity of Physarum polycephalum
- Basal cognition and consciousness
- Convergent evolution of cognition
- Conclusion and perspectives for future research
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 13. Uses, applications, and disciplinary integration using myxomycetes
- Abstract
- STEM-related applications
- Non-STEM potential
- Current research perspectives and future possibilities
- References
- Take-home messages
- Chapter 14. Myxomycetes in education: the use of slime molds in promoting active and engaged learning
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Teaching and learning activities
- Myxomycetes for high school and beyond
- Interaction and personal engagement
- Summary
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- Take-home messages
- Index
- No. of pages: 600
- Language: English
- Edition: 2
- Published: September 19, 2021
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Paperback ISBN: 9780128242810
- eBook ISBN: 9780128242827
CR
Carlos Rojas
Carlos Rojas is the most active researcher currently studying the biology of myxomycetes in all of Central America. His studies of the ecology of the group have taken him to North, Central and South America as well as Northern Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia. He has published more than 30 scientific articles on myxomycetes and coedited a book on forest ecology. He is currently the editor of the journal Revista Ingeniería based at the University of Costa Rica and associate editor of Mycologia and several other journals.
Affiliations and expertise
Editor, Revista Ingenieria, University of Costa Rica; Associate Editor, MycologiaSS
Steven L. Stephenson
Dr. Stephenson is one of the world’s leading authorities on the myxomycetes. His research on the group for more than 35 years has taken him to all seven continents and to every major type of terrestrial ecosystem. He is the author or co-author of more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters along with seven books on myxomycetes, fungi and forest ecology. His field guide Myxomycetes: a Handbook of Slime Molds (Timber Press, 1994) has sold more copies than any other book on these organisms. He served as editor-in-chief of the major international journal Fungal Diversity and has been or is an associate editor of a number of journals, including Mycologia.
Affiliations and expertise
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AK, USA