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Biology and Biotechnology of Actinobacteria
by Joachim Wink Fatemeh Mohammadipanah Javad HamediThis book provides in-depth insights into the biology, taxonomy, genetics, physiology and biotechnological applications of Actinobacteria. It especially focuses on the latter, reviewing the wide variety of actinobacterial bioactive molecules and their benefits for diverse industrial applications such as agriculture, aquaculture, biofuel production and food technology. Actinobacteria are one of the most promising sources of small bioactive molecules and it is estimated that only a small percentage of actinobacterial bioactive chemicals have been discovered to date. Identifying new diverse gene clusters of biotechnological relevance in the genome of Actinobacteria will be crucial to developing advanced applications for pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural purposes. The book offers a unique resource for all graduate students, researchers and practitioners in the fields of microbiology, microbial biotechnology, and the genetic engineering of Actinobacteria.
Biology and Biotechnology of Patagonian Microorganisms
by Nelda Lila Olivera Diego Libkind Edgardo DonatiThe Argentinean Patagonia offers a great diversity of scarcely explored environments suitable for the bioprospection of biotechnological relevant microorganisms. This book provides readers with a concise and clearly illustrated treatment of outstanding topics of Patagonian microbiology and biotechnology. It covers a wide range of areas interesting to several audiences such as researchers, graduate students and professionals working on the industry food. Among the main topics we will discuss examples of environmental applications, such as heavy metal and hydrocarbon bioremediation, bioprospection of valuable molecules from extremophilic bacteria and yeasts, the use of Patagonian yeasts and lactic acid bacteria in fermented foods and beverages, aquaculture probiotics and yeasts for food biopreservation.
Biology and Biotechnology of Quinoa: Super Grain for Food Security
by Ajit VarmaThis book is designed to popularize Quinoa cereal among both scientific and food industry. Quinoa is an attractive candidate for protein replacement, has potential for futuristic biotechnological modifications, and is able to grow under many different abiotic stresses. To save the world from animal cruelty, quinoa emerges as a hero for vegans and vegetarians. This book deals with morphological features, life cycle, nutritional qualities, genetics, agronomic manipulations, ecological communications, stress tolerance mechanisms, and food applications of Chenopodium quinoa. Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal native to Andes Region in South America. Over time, it spread to many different regions worldwide and is emerging as protein-rich vegetarian food source. In order to cure malnutrition globally, it is important to channel this lesser-known grain to local cultivators. This can only be done through well-proven scientific data that supports its qualities. This book aims to do the same, while also giving an insight into the vast scope quinoa posses as an experimental crop. Its stress-tolerant abilities can inspire scientists to understand those mechanisms, further exploit them, and even introduce them into other stress-sensitive crops. In future, quinoa can be among the top sources that offer food security. Due to its adaptability, ease of cultivation, and rich output, sustainability can be achieved by regulating its breeding and growth. This book is of interest to researchers, teachers, agronomic cultivators, environmentalists, botanists, microbiologists, geneticists and food technologists. This book covers recent advances, challenges in cultivation, biology, nutrition, and agricultural science topics, suitable for both young learners and advanced scientists. Cultivators who want to know more about quinoa and introduce it into their agronomic applications will find helpful information from the text.
Biology and Breeding of Camels: Focus on Pakistan Camels
by Muhammad Ashraf Masroor Ellahi BabarThis book discusses the biology, breeding, care, and management of camels, with a focus on camels from Pakistan. The book provides a sound understanding of how to look after camels, their senses, behavior, and adaptations. The chapters describe the practical aspects of camel husbandry such as how to maintain their body condition, feet, and cleanliness. It covers the types of feeds, feeding methods, and their needs at different stages of life. The book provides a detailed account of camel husbandry, breeding, and reproduction. It is meant for camel breeders, veterinarians, livestock advisers, students, and researchers working on animal sciences, camel rearing, feeding, and management. FEATURES Includes information about different species of camels present in Pakistan and their importance to humans Discusses the nutrition and feeding of camels, the medicinal qualities of camel milk, and the peculiar immunity-enhancing properties of their nutritious meat Describes the features of camels that help them survive and thrive in deserts and make them the animals of the future Covers the range of unique products obtained from camels and their economic value Explores the management, types of diseases in camels, causes of their spread, their control, and therapeutic measures for successful and productive farming
Biology and Breeding of Crucifers
by Surinder Kumar GuptaConsiderable interest has developed in recent years in crucifers and particularly in their wild relatives, as they contain genetic material that may be utilized for further evolution of superior crop varieties through introgression and distant hybridization. Until now, there has been no single volume that focuses exclusively on the biology and bree
Biology and Chemistry of Jerusalem Artichoke: Helianthus tuberosus L.
by Stanley J. Kays Stephen F. NottinghamA unique plant on many levels, the distinctive properties of the Jerusalem artichoke, or Helianthus tuberosus L., present novel answers to some of today's most pressing problems. The potential of Jerusalem artichoke as a source for inulin, a fructose polymer that may provide dietary health benefits for obesity, diabetes, and several other health is
Biology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs
by David Smith Mark L. Botton John T. TanacrediThe four living species of horseshoe crabs face a set of growing threats to their survival, including the erosion and/or man-made alteration of essential spawning habitat, coastal pollution, and overfishing. Horseshoe crabs are "living fossils", with a more than 200 million year evolutionary history. Their blood provides a reagent, known as Limulus amebocyte lysate or LAL, that clots in the presence of minute quantities of bacterial endotoxin; the LAL test is the state-of-the-art methodology used to ensure that pharmaceuticals and surgical implants are free of contamination. Horseshoe crabs are an integral part of the food web in coastal marine ecosystems, and their eggs provide essential food for shorebirds in the Delaware Bay estuary each spring. The commercial fishery for horseshoe crabs, which utilizes animals for bait, contributes to the economies of coastal communities. This book consists of papers presented at the 2007 International Symposium on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs.
Biology and Conservation of Martens, Sables, and Fishers: A New Synthesis
by Steven W. Buskirk Martin G. Raphael Keith B. Aubry William J. Zielinski Gilbert ProulxMammals in the genus Martes are mid-sized carnivores of great importance to forest ecosystems. This book, the successor to Martens, Sables, and Fishers: Biology and Conservation, provides a scientific basis for management and conservation efforts designed to maintain or enhance the populations and habitats of Martes species throughout the world. The twenty synthesis chapters contained in this book bring together the perspectives and expertise of 63 scientists from twelve countries, and are organized by the five key themes of evolution and biogeography, population biology and management, habitat ecology and management, research techniques, and conservation.Recent developments in research technologies such as modeling and genetics, biological knowledge about pathogens and parasites, and concerns about the potential effects of global warming on the distribution and status of Martes populations make new syntheses of these areas especially timely. The volume provides an overview of what is known while clarifying initiatives for future research and conservation priorities, and will be of interest to mammalogists, resource managers, applied ecologists, and conservation biologists.
Biology and Conservation of North American Tortoises
by David C. Rostal, Earl D. McCoy, and Henry R. MushinskyThe most comprehensive book ever published on North America's native tortoises.Tortoises, those unmistakable turtles, evolved from a lineage that split off from the familiar pond turtles roughly 100 million years ago. Over time, these plant-eating land turtles spread around the world, growing to an enormous size (depending on the species) and living so long that they have become the stuff of legends. By most accounts, they are indeed the longest-lived of the turtles, with good records suggesting individuals may live as long as 180 years (anecdotal records suggest that some reach ages of 200 years or more).Providing the first comprehensive treatment of North America’s tortoises, Biology and Conservation of North American Tortoises brings together leading experts to give an overview of tortoise morphology, taxonomy, systematics, paleontology, physiology, ecology, behavior, reproduction, diet, growth, health, and conservation. The contributors carefully combine their own expertise and observations with results from studies conducted by hundreds of other researchers. The result is a book that belongs in the library of every herpetologist.ContributorsGustavo Aguirre L.Linda J. AllisonMatthew J. ArescoRoy C. Averill-MurrayJoan E. BerishKristin H. BerryDennis M. BrambleK. Kristina DrakeTaylor EdwardsTodd C. EsqueRichard FranzCraig GuyerJ. Scott HarrisonSharon M. HermannJ. Howard HutchisonElliott R. JacobsonValerie M. JohnsonRichard T. KazmaierEarl D. McCoyPhilip A. MedicaRobert W. MurphyHenry R. Mushinsky Kenneth E. NussearMichael P. O’ConnorThomas A. Radzio David C. RostalLora L. SmithJames R. SpotilaCraig B. StanfordC. Richard TracyTracey D. TubervilleMichael TumaThane Wibbels
Biology and Conservation of the European Sturgeon Acipenser sturio L. 1758: The Reunion of the European and Atlantic Sturgeons
by Eric Rochard Frank Kirschbaum Jörn Gessner Nathalie Desse-Berset Patrick WilliotThe book aims at synthesizing our current knowledge of Acipenser sturio and its management. This species, one of the most widespread sturgeon species all over Western Europe ranging from the Black Sea to the Baltic, is now on the verge of extinction. Major aspects of its biology and management, including mismanagement, are provided in a historic perspective. Similarly, the changes in the restoration programs (in situ and ex situ) initiated in France and Germany are presented. As the species occurred in sympatry with Acipenser oxyrinchus in Germany and Poland and very recently in France as well, a brief outlook on restoration-management programs of A. oxyrinchus are also provided for both North America and Northern European countries, namely Germany and Poland. As conservation-restoration actions go beyond scientific issues, non-governmental stakeholders and marine professional fishermen's organizations have also been asked to contribute, and the key role of a French-German cooperation plan is underlined. A part of the book is devoted to perspectives. Illustrations of the European sturgeon, mainly in photographs, but also in stamps and paintings, are presented.
Biology and Criminology: The Biosocial Synthesis (Routledge Advances in Criminology)
by Anthony WalshNumerous criminologists have noted their dissatisfaction with the state of criminology. The need for a new paradigm for the 21st century is clear. However, many distrust biology as a factor in studies of criminal behavior, whether because of limited exposure or because the orientation of criminology in general has a propensity to see it as racist, classist, or at least illiberal. This innovative new book by noted criminologist Anthony Walsh dispels such fears, examining how information from the biological sciences strengthens criminology work and both complements and improves upon traditional theories of criminal behavior. With its reasoned case for biological science as a fundamental tool of the criminologist, Walsh's groundbreaking work will be required reading for all students and faculty within the field of criminology.
Biology and Culture of Percid Fishes: Principles and Practices
by Patrick Kestemont Konrad Dabrowski Robert C. SummerfeltThis extensive work focuses on an important group of temperate freshwater fish, approaching the topic from the perspectives of both biology and aquaculture. It compiles the latest research on fish belonging to the Percidae family and describes in detail all biological aspects relevant to the culture of different species, including ecology, reproductive physiology, feeding and nutrition, genetics, immunology, stress physiology and behavior. It also considers commercial fish production and fish farming topics, such as protocols for induction of gonad maturation, spawning, incubation and larval rearing. Expert contributors not only provide a critical peer review of scientific literature but also original research data, and identify effective practical techniques. The book features chapters on systematics, ecology and evolution, on development, metabolism and husbandry of early life stages and on growth, metabolism, behavior and husbandry of juvenile and grow-out stages. Furthermore, the authors consider genetic improvement and domestication, as well as diseases and health management, crucial to the readers' understanding of these fish and how they can be cultured. Both researchers of percid fish biology and aquaculture professionals who are considering intensive and pond culture of percid fishes will value this timely and comprehensive handbook. )
Biology and Culture of Portunid Crabs of World Seas (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy SanthanamBiology and Culture of Portunid Crabs of World Seas provides an abundance of valuable first-hand information about the diversity, biology, ecology culture of the portunid crabs of the word seas. Marine crabs play an important role directly or indirectly in the livelihood of millions of people around the world. They have been reported to make up about 20% of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed, and consumed worldwide. Among these marine crabs, portunid crabs or swimming crabs of the family Portunidae (Class: Crustacea; Order: Decapoda; Infraorder: Brachyura) assume greater significance in the marine industry owing to their delicate meat with nutritional qualities. Although, several species of portunid crabs are edible and commercially important, only a few species of Scylla and Portunus have been widely cultivated. This is largely due to the lack of information on the biology of portunid crabs. Keeping this in view, this new volume presents the biology and aquaculture of marine portunid crabs. This volume will be of great use for researchers and students of disciplines such as fisheries science, marine biology, aquatic biology and fisheries and zoology and will also serve as a standard reference for college, university, and research libraries around the world.
Biology and Diseases of the Ferret
by Robert P. Marini James G. FoxBiology and Diseases of the Ferret, Third Edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to provide a current, comprehensive reference on the ferret. Encyclopedic in scope, it is the only book to focus on the characteristics that make the ferret an important research animal, with detailed information on conditions, procedures, and treatments. Offering basic information on biology, husbandry, clinical medicine, and surgery, as well as unique information on the use of ferrets in biomedical research, Biology and Diseases of the Ferret is an essential resource for investigators using ferrets in the laboratory and for companion animal and comparative medicine veterinarians.The Third Edition adds ten completely new chapters, covering regulatory considerations, black-footed ferret recovery, diseases of the cardiovascular system, viral respiratory disease research, morbillivirus research, genetic engineering, hearing and auditory function, vision and neuroplasticity research, nausea and vomiting research, and lung carcinogenesis research. Additionally, the anesthesia, surgery, and biomethodology chapter has been subdivided into three and thoroughly expanded. The book also highlights the ferret genome project, along with the emerging technology of genetically engineered ferrets, which is of particular importance to the future of the ferret as an animal model in research and will allow the investigation of diseases and their genetic basis in a small, easily maintained, non-rodent species.
Biology and Ecology of Antarctic Krill (Advances in Polar Ecology #1)
by Volker SiegelThis book gives a unique insight into the current knowledge of krill population dynamics including distribution, biomass, production, recruitment, growth and mortality rates. Detailed analysis is provided on food and feeding, reproduction and krill behaviour. The volume provides an overview on the aspects of natural challenges to the species, which involve predation, parasites and the commercial exploitation of the resource and its management. A chapter on genetics shows the results of population subdivision and summarizes recent work on sequencing transcriptomes for studying gene function as part of the physiology of live krill. The focus of Chapter 4 is on physiological functions such as biochemical composition, metabolic activity and growth change with ontogeny and season; and will demonstrate which environmental factors are the main drivers for variability. Further discussed in this chapter are the bottle necks which occur in the annual life cycle of krill, and the mechanisms krill have adapted to cope with severe environmental condition.
Biology and Ecology of Atlantic Cod
by Peter J. Wright Daniel Howell Nataliia Kulatska Ingibjörg G. JónsdóttirAtlantic cod is an important fish species in human history and continues to be a major influence on North Atlantic fisheries management, as stock collapses and recoveries impact coastal communities and shelf sea food webs. This book provides an overview of Atlantic cod biology and ecology, focussing on regional differences in life-history and stock dynamics that affect productivity and the challenges faced by management. By comparing the success of management approaches and the local influence of changing climate and food webs, the book highlights the different pressures facing stocks and identifies knowledge gaps across the species’ range.
Biology and Ecology of Earthworms
by Clive A. Edwards Norman Q. AranconBiology and Ecology of Earthworms is established as a key valuable text for students of agriculture, soil science, and soil invertebrate zoology and ecology. This is the 4th Edition of the popular textbook which reviews all aspects of earthworm biology and ecology. The book has been fully revised and updated throughout. Particular changes include: new treatments of earthworm taxonomy, diversity, migration and geographical distribution; interactions between earthworms and other soil organisms, especially microorganisms and soil-borne pests and diseases; as well as the importance of earthworms in organic waste management.
Biology and Ecology of Fishes
by James S. Diana Tomas O. HöökBiology and Ecology of Fishes Immerse yourself in the world of fish ecology with the newest edition of this essential introduction The study of fish ecology has traditionally proceeded along two tracks: the first is more basic, concerned with the anatomy, physiology and theoretical ecology of fish, and the second is more practical, concerning itself with fish populations, management, and habitats. Many fish researchers have come to view this distinction as artificial, and to develop a new study of fish that combines both tracks in a single holistic approach. It has never been more critical for introductory textbooks to represent this combined study in order to prepare the next generation of fish biologists and fishery scientists. Biology and Ecology of Fishes meets this need with a textbook that incorporates both biology and population management. Beginning with a general introduction to aquatic life and ecosystems, this book covers anatomical, environmental, and ethological topics to give a thoroughly rounded view of its subject, promising to serve as the fundamental introduction to multidisciplinary fish studies. Readers of the third edition of Biology and Ecology of Fishes will also find: Detailed coverage of subjects including growth and bioenergetics, feeding and predation, mortality and recruitment and more Increased attention to stressors of fish populations and communities New and revised chapters that introduce quantitative methods and present emerging issues facing fish populations and communities Biology and Ecology of Fishes is a useful overview for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying fish ecology or fishery biology, as well as a reference for researchers and professionals in fish ecology, fish population management, and related fields.
Biology and Ecology of Groupers
by Fabiana Cézar Félix-HackradtGroupers are fascinating charismatic fishes commonly found in reef habitats around the world that sustain a global multimillionaire fishery. They are an important top predator species and therefore of paramount ecological importance for reef systems' resilience. The book, Biology and Ecology of Groupers is an up-to-date review of the main bio-ecological topics involving worldwide groupers species oriented to the academic community and managers. It covers aspects of classification and phylogenetic relationships, geographical distribution, and life history related characteristics (Section I), including the major threats of groupers populations, case studies of successful management and comments about the future of groupers in our changing world (Section II).
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Cnidarians (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam Ramesh Gubbiyappa Shiva KumarThe first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pharmaceutical cnidarians, answering a need for more knowledge about the identification, biology, natural products and bioactivities of these living resources. Contributed by scientists of both marine biology and pharmacy disciplines. Identifies the correct marine species, shows the ecological parameters of that species, and explores its biological values with particular attention to primary and secondary metabolites or bioactive constituents. A useful supplementary text on Marine Biology and Pharmacology courses. Nearly 200 illustrations are produced in full color, providing a high-quality reference. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features, and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 200 species of marine cnidarians along with nearly 200 detailed illustrations in glorious color. The phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata) is a large, diverse, and ecologically important group of marine invertebrates which make up 40 percent of the biomass of the oceans. Marine invertebrates are the richest source of marine natural products with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, and it has been reported that over 3000 bioactive compounds have been described from this phylum alone, mostly in the last decade.
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Life: Echinoderms (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam Ramesh Sheba Rani Nakka DavidThe first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pharmaceutical echinoderms. Contributed by scientists of both marine biology and pharmacy disciplines. All reported echinoderm species producing secondary metabolites are dealt with. Previously known only as nutritional invertebrates, the contribution of the echinoderms as sources of secondary metabolites for therapeutic compounds is a topic ripe for exploration. All 200+ images are produced in full color. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 150 species of ecinoderms along with over 200 detailed illustrations in glorious color. Among the biota of marine habitats, the echinoderms, which include sea stars (starfish), brittle stars and basket stars, sea urchins and sand dollars, sea cucumbers, and sea lilies or feather stars, are known for their importance as promising sources of bioactive compounds for development of pharmaceuticals. Their potential therapeutic applications have been growing rapidly in the treatment of many diseases.
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Mollusks (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam Ramesh Manavalan GobinathKey features: Serves as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of various disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, their libraries, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 275 species of marine molluscs Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 275 species of marine molluscs Includes more than 500 detailed illustrations Covers bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Molluscs is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to molluscs. The taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 275 species of marine molluscs are given in this comprehensive work, with accompanying illustrations. Bioactive substances isolated from marine invertebrates such as poriferans, coelenterates, molluscs, echinoderms, bryozoans and tunicates have been reported to possess antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antihelmintic and anticancer activities. Among the marine invertebrates, marine molluscs have significant commercial applications; for instance, as a source of food, ornaments and production of lime. A few species of molluscs have also been reported to act as scavengers in cleaning the environment and pollution indicators. Recently, many molluscan species have been identified as a potential source of secondary metabolites, having a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. This should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Pharmacy, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, as well as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine molluscs.
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Plants (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam Ramesh Hafiz Ansar SuleriaKey features: A standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Botany/Plant Science, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, their libraries A valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine plants Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 400 species of marine plants Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 400 species of marine plants Includes more than 600 detailed illustrations Covers blue-green algae, green algae, brown algae, and red algae Marine plants such as algae (blue-green algae and seaweeds), seagrasses, mangrove plants, salt-tolerant or salt-loving plants (halophytes) and coastal sand dune plants are known to generate approximately 70% of oxygen on earth, and help regulate oxygen in the atmosphere. These plants are potential sources of nutrients and are also considered valuable for the development of new drugs owing to their unique bioactive compounds. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 400 species of marine plants, accompanied by high quality illustrations. Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Plants is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to plants. It should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Pharmacy, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, as well as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine plants.
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Sponges (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam Ramesh Anbu SunilsonKey features: Serves as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of various disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, their libraries, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 250 species of marine sponges Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges Includes more than 500 detailed illustrations Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Sponges is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to sponges. Sponges are the most primitive multicelled animals that have existed for 700 - 800 million years. Despite their wide range of functional roles, not much is known about them. Marine sponges are responsible for more than 5,300 pharmaceutical products and some species have the potential to provide future drugs to prevent and treat important medical conditions such as cancer, a range of viral diseases, malaria, and inflammatory diseases. Nucleosides derived from sponges were the basis for the synthesis of Ara-C, the first marine-derived anticancer agent, currently used in the routine treatment of patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Marine sponges are the potential sources of many unique metabolites with anticancer,anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, antimalarial, and immune or neurosuppressive properties. Although many bioactives have been discovered in marine sponges, only a few of these compounds have been commercialized. This book hopes to change that, providing the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges, accompanied by high-quality illustrations. The book should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Pharmacy and a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges.
Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Tunicates (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)
by Ramasamy Santhanam Santhanam RameshThe ocean is a source of unique natural products, mainly accumulated in living organisms. The c.4000 species of tunicates or sea squirts (Phylum, Chordata; Subphylum, Urochordata) are a high-potential yet under-studied source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals. The secondary metabolites such as alkaloids isolated from these organisms have led to the discovery of an approved anti-tumor drug, anti-cancer drugs Yondelis® and Aplidin®, as well as many others in clinical trial. There is an urgent need for more research on the bioactive compounds of marine tunicates and better knowledge about the identification and biology of these species. This is the first focused book to meet this need. The taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 165 key species of tunicates are given, with high-quality illustrations. Contributed by scientists of both Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines, this book will serve as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine organisms.