Introduction -- Cellular structure of actinobacteria -- Growth and life Cycle of actinobacteria -- Classification and taxonomy of actinobacteria -- Genetic of actinobacteria -- Ecology and habitat distribution of actinobacteria -- Physiology of actinobacteria -- Regulation of secondary metabolites of actinobacteria -- Symbiosis and pathogenisity of actinobacteria -- The role of actinobacteria in biotechnology -- Practical aspects of working with Actinobacteria -- Post genomic studies and systems biology of actinobacteria: a brief overview.

This 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. .