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This book describes the biochemistry and genetics of aerobic degradation of hydrocarbons and lipids by bacteria and yeasts, as well as the functional genomics of the best-known microorganisms involved in these processes. It forms part of the Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology Series, a definitive resource of current knowledge on the diverse aspects of the interactions of microbes with hydrocarbons and lipids. Chapters are mainly focused on the new discoveries of recent years. It is aimed to scientists and others interested in different aspects of the microbiology of hydrocarbons.

In the mid-1980s the European Journal of Biochemistry set out to publish review articles. The enterprise proved successful resulting in high-level reviews written by well- known scientists appearing in the Journal. The reviews represent emerging and rapidly growing fields of research in fundamental as well as applied areas of biochemistry, such as medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and nutrition. Novel methodological andtechnological approaches which stimulate biochemical research are also included. The authors of the reviews are explicitly asked to be critical, selective, evaluative and interdisciplinarily oriented. The reviews should encourage young scientists toward independent and creative thinking, and inform active investigators about the state of the art in a given field.

A coordinated approach using biochemical and immunological tools has given us a better understanding of the structure of the eukaryotic surface membrane. From such studies has emerged the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure and this volume contains a collection of articles written by noted workers in this field. A major emphasis in this area of research concerns the changes brought about on virus-induced and carcinogen-induced tumor cells. The first chapter comes from a laboratory that was one of the first to visualize the distribution of transplantation antigens on cell membrane surfaces. Various methods are described for visualizing these antigens by electron microscopy. Davis and his colleagues then proceed to show how the antibody-induced redistribution of antigenic macromolecules led to the formulation of the fluid mosaic model. From Hakomori's labora­ tory comes a methodological paper describing a novel method of labeling the carbohydrate portions of the membrane glycoproteins that are exposed on the outer surfaces of cells. The two chapters reviewing the changes found on carcinogen-induced and virus-induced malignant cells complete the survey of the structures associated with surface mem­ branes. Thanks are due to Mrs. Carol Garafolo who helped immeasurably with the preparation of the index for this volume.

The genus Pseudomonas represents a large group of medically and envi­ ronmentally important bacteria. Interest in these bacteria is reflected in the extensive number of publications devoted to original research, re­ views, and books on this subject. In this volume selected areas of Pseu­ domonas research are presented in depth by persons who have been active in their fields over many years. The extensive reviews presented are an effort to provide a balanced perspective in a number of areas not readily available in the current literature. In the style of the previous Biotechnology Handbooks most of these topics have not been reviewed at all, and several are also presented from a new direction. For example, in addition to structural and compositional aspects, the chapter on lipids provides shifts in lipid parameters that result from environmental changes. This information will be invaluable to a cross section of Pseu­ domonas researchers in pathogenesis and bioremediation. The chapters presented include basic aspects of plasmid biology and carbohydrate metabolism and regulation. A major emphasis is placed on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cell surface. Chapters cover lipo­ polysaccharide, capsular polysaccharide and alginate, the outer mem­ brane, transport systems, and the flagellum. Uptake of iron is also neces­ sarily an important portion of the chapter on iron metabolism.