There has never been a more exciting time to be a biologist. Not only do we understand more about the biological world than ever before, but we're using that understanding in ever-more creative and valuable ways. Our understanding of the way our genes work is being used to explore new ways to treat disease; our understanding of ecosystems is being used to explore new ways to protect the diversity of life on Earth; our understanding of plant science is being used to explore more sustainable ways to feed a growing human population. Use the Oxford Biology Primers to explore biology for yourself-to find out more about what scientists at the cutting edge of the subject are researching, and the biological problems they're trying to solve. In this title, a team of microbiologists explore how microbial biotechnology and its applications are fundamental to our way of life. They explain microbial growth and how this relates to food biotechnology as well as a number of other microbial products, from fine chemicals to pharmaceuticals, examines ethical and societal factors, and consider the future of microbial biotechnology in the context of advances being made in synthetic biology. Book jacket.