Biological systems are regulated by the thermodynamic parameters of pressure and temperature. With the help of new spectroscopic methods it is now possible to study the structure and function of such systems under extreme pressures and temperatures. This book described the resulting theory and applications of these pressure and temperature effects. The subjects covered include the use of high pressure in food processing and even the theory of the origin and evolution of life. Readers exploring the world of biology in extreme environments will find this book particularly useful.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
From the reviews of the first edition:
"The book is a collection of review articles and of highly specialised studies which . will provide useful information and reference lists to those interested in discovering the vast and growing field of biological systems under extreme conditions." (Jean-Pierre Gaspard, Physicalia, Vol. 26 (1), 2004)
"I would perhaps most recommend this book to microbiologists interested in the response of microbes to high pressures and the biochemical basis for this response. Nevertheless it may also be a very useful reference for anyone working on the biology of extreme environments who at some point might need to understand how high pressure affects organisms." (C. S. Cockell, International Journal of Astrobiology, Vol. 2 (1), 2002)
"I found this a most interesting and informative volume. It encompasses the physics of water at low temperature, the behaviour of proteins under extreme pressure as studied by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray scattering, melting temperature determination and stopped-flow enzyme kinetics. . Most of the contributors are not microbiologists but physical scientists. As a consequence we learn more about problems . . highly recommended." (David Lloyd, Microbiology Today, Vol. 29, August 2002)
