Bertold Hock Livres

Highlights fungal associations, as they are found in mycorrhizas, lichens and other fungal symbioses. This volume emphasises on the molecular biochemical and ultrastructural analysis of these interactions.

This new edition of Fungal Associations focuses on mycorrhizas, lichens and fungal-bacterial symbioses. It has been completely revised, updated and expanded. Renowned experts present thorough reviews and discuss the most recent findings on molecular interactions between fungi and plants or bacteria that lead to morphological alterations and novel properties in the symbionts. New insights into the beneficial impact of fungal associations on ecosystem health are provided and documented with striking examples.

Bioresponse-linked instrumental analysis combines biomolecular recognition, initiating a biological effect in the organism, and chemical analysis. Although this technology is only at its beginning, the power of this approach is obvious. It provides both, information on effects with respect to the applied target structures as well as the chemical structure and concentration of active substances present in a sample. In this book, examples ranging from endocrine disruptors to neurotoxic substances are used to illustrate the principle.

Biosensors integrate microelectronics with the selectivity and sensitivity of biological components like cells, organelles, and biomolecules, enabling the detection of specific substances in the environment. They play a crucial role in monitoring industrial emissions from sectors such as textiles, cellulose, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. This innovative approach not only enhances measurement technology but also supports informed political decisions. Currently, disturbances in water bodies are often detected by chance, relying on traditional physico-chemical techniques that may only identify substances after pollution peaks have passed, making it difficult to hold responsible parties accountable. Fast, continuous measurement systems like biosensors are essential for cost-effective, event-related water sampling, helping preserve evidence. Additionally, biosensors can identify biological effects, including genotoxicity and immunotoxicity, with signal sequences and peak values serving as critical indicators for water protection. Understanding the distribution of warning signals over time and space in aquatic ecosystems is vital for early recognition of water health, enabling the development of new strategies for effective water management.

Die Frage »Was ist Leben?« ist eine der grundlegendsten und schwierigsten Fragen überhaupt. Sie hat die Menschheit seit ihren Anfängen beschäftigt. Bertold Hock gibt Antworten aus der Biologie und erklärt, warum die Frage trotz all unseres Wissens nichts von ihrer Aktualität verloren hat. Prof. Dr. Bertold Hock war bis zu seiner Emeritierung im Herbst 2006 Inhaber des Lehrstuhls für Zellbiologie an der Technischen Universität München.