Brings the excitement, breadth, and power of the modern microbial sciences to the next generation of students and scientists. This third edition of the bestselling Microbe textbook is an eloquent and highly readable introduction to microbiology that will engage and excite science majors and pre-health professionals. The authors have carefully crafted a lively narrative with stunning, detailed illustrations to bring key concepts to life and promote a lifelong passion for the microbial sciences. Microbe is replete with case studies, ranging from a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreak in an NFL locker room to the search for life outside of Earth, that illustrate relevant microbiology concepts in real-world scenarios. To further engage students and deepen their understanding of both the principles and practice of science, each chapter includes activities that encourage students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge of the topics presented. Questions are posed