Genetics of Lactic Acid Bacteria, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003 The Lactic Acid Bacteria Series, Vol. 3

Beginning with an introduction to relevant genetic techniques, chapters cover all major groups of LAB, including the Bifidobacteria; plasmid biology, gene transfer, phage, and sugar metabolism; gene expression of various LAB; applications for genetically engineered LAB, including the emerging field of medical applications; and the legal and consumer issues that arise from such applications. This resource will set the benchmark for the state of knowledge of LAB genetics and should be of value to food scientists and other researchers working with LAB in its present and future capacities. Professionals using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for research and/or as working organisms, whether in food and dairy fermentations or in the exciting new field of clinical delivery agents, will find this book invaluable. In addition, professors teaching under- and post-graduates in microbiology, and postgraduate research students will also find this an essential reference work.

1 Introduction: Background, Relevant Genetic Techniques, and Terms.- 2 Plasmid Biology, Conjugation, and Transposition.- 3 Comparative Genomics of Bacteriophage Infecting Lactic Acid Bacteria.- 4 Genetics of the Metabolism of Lactose and Other Sugars.- 5 Regulation of Gene Expression in Lactococcus lactis.- 6 Gene Expression in Lactobacilli.- 7 Genetics of Proteolysis in Lactococcus lactis.- 8 Genetics of Bacteriocin Production in Lactic Acid Bacteria.- 9 Lactic Acid Bacteria as Mucosal Delivery Vehicles.- 10 The Genetics of Phage Resistance in Lactococus lactis.- 11 Antibiotic Resistance and Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria.- 12 The Ratio between Benefits and Risk of Fermented Foods Produced by Genetically Modified Lactic Acid Bacteria.- Glossary/Abbreviations.