Systems biology is the study of interactions between assorted components of biological systems with the aim of acquiring new insights into how organisms function and respond to different stimuli.  Although more and more efforts are being directed toward examining systems biology in complex multi-cellular organisms, the bulk of system-level analyses conducted to date have focused on the biology of microbes.  In, Microbial Systems Biology: Methods and Protocols expert researchers in the field describe the utility and attributes of different tools (both experimental and computational) that are used for studying microbial systems.  Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology¿ series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Microbial Systems Biology: Methods and Protocols introduces and aids scientists in using the various tools that are currently available for analysis, modification and utilization of microbial organisms.