The completion of sequences for over one hundred microbial genomes, with more than 200 additional projects now under way, has vastly multiplied the potential avenues for research using genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatics tools, and has created the new field of functional genomics. These advances have laid the foundation for understanding key principles applicable to human genome research.

Microbial Functional Genomics, the first comprehensive treatment of this subject, provides a much-needed synthesis of genome-wide studies on gene networks and functions, as well as the use of genomic data and technology in addressing a host of biological problems. Topics covered include:

• Genomics: introduction, history, and current challenges and scope
• Microbial diversity and evolution from a genomics perspective
• Computational methods for genome annotation and functional prediction of genes
• DNA microarray technology and its application to gene expression data analysis, mutation analysis, and microbial detection
• Mutagenesis as a genomic tool for studying gene function
• The functional genomics of model organisms, bacterial pathogens, and environmentally significant microorganisms
• The impact of genomics on antimicrobial drug discovery and toxicology

Microbial Functional Genomics represents a timely summary of the principles, approaches, and applications at the forefront of this exciting and rapidly progressing field.