In its expanded fourth edition, this updated classic represents the most complete resource on the biology of ptokaryotes. Different from other resources, it includes not only taxonomy, but also prokaryotic biology and technology of taxa in a broad context.

This fourth edition of The Prokaryotes is organized to cover all taxonomic diversity, using the family level to delineate chapters. Includes new section on human microbiology dealing with bacteria associated with healthy humans and bacterial pathogenesis.