Symbiosis: An Introduction to Biological Associations

by Surindar Paracer and Vernon Ahmadjian

The first edition of this book, published by University Press of New England in 1986, sold over 2500 copies, and was received as the best introductory overview of this broad field. Quite a lot has... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874513715
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Univ Pr of New England
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 0.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Little long, but very thorough overview

Symbiosis by Surindar Paracer and Vernon Ahmadjian is an extensive view into the remarkable world of symbiotic relationships across all different organisms throughout the varying Kingdoms. The topics covered range from viral and bacterial pathogenesis, the symbioses possible in the origins of the Eukaryotic cell and fungal relationships between plants, animals, and fungi. Also covered are the symbiotic relationships that compose parasitic infections, animal parasitism, plant-pollinator relations, behavioral and social symbioses, and finally, co-evolution. The book does an excellent job in separating the levels of symbioses as they span through the varying bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. Also, brief examples of previous research are given as well as numerous references to these experiments. The first topic discussed in Symbiosis is that of viral associations with differing organisms such as humans, insects, and fungi. An in depth approach is taking discussing the multiple taxonomic variations found in the seven main viruses. Pathogenesis such as HIV in humans is touched on as well as the replication methods that viruses use in order to infect their hosts. After the viruses, the bacteria and their effects on animals, protozoa, and other bacteria are approached. The topics approached include predatory bacteria and the parasitism of amoebas within human intestinal tracts. Bacterial bioluminescence as found within many marine species of fish and squid are explained as well. Finally, the topic of rumen microbial ecosystems is approached and a thorough explanation of the bacterial association is explained. The topic of bacterial pathogenesis touches upon the topics of Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and E. coli. The detail covered in the text includes both the possible origins of the varying bacteria and the molecular compositions of the varying species. The symbiotic relationships found among plants are discussed including the Nitrogen fixing bacteria found within legumes and other plants. Other plants affected by symbiotic relationships include the Bryophytes and Cycads. Due to these organisms extended history, the extent of time that a symbiotic relationship has been shared is clear and impressive. The angiosperms are touched upon briefly dealing with such diseases as vascular wilts, soft rots, scabs, and cankers. An interesting chapter focuses mainly solely on the Serial Endobymbiosis theory and similar symbiotic cell theories such as the Hydrogen Hypothesis. In extreme detail these topics are diagrammed and explained as how the mitochondria and chloroplasts have found there where within other cells. Also included in this endosymbiosis theory are the acquisition of microtubules for movement, peroxisomes, hydrogenosomes, and even the nucleus of cells. An interesting viewpoint is explored as the host cell being analogous to that of an intracellular ecosystem. A book cannot be written on symbiosis without d