Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Vol. 37, No. 2, 2001, p. 225. Translated from Prikladnaya Biokhimiya i Mikrobiologiya, Vol.
37, No. 2, 2001, pp. 254.
Original Russian Text Copyright © 2001 by Bezborodov.
BOOK
REVIEW
L.I. Vorobiova, Propionibacteria, Kluver Academic Publishers,
Dordrecht–Boston–London, 1999
This textbook provides information on the unique
properties and application of one of the most useful
bacterial groups. Unlike books formerly published in
Russian, it reports data obtained in the last 25 years.
They include new phylogenetic taxonomy on the
basis of modern molecular biology; genetic features;
antimutagenic and response-causing properties of pro-
pionibacteria acting on organisms weakened by various
stress factors; the unusual fermentation mechanism
involving a short respiratory chain; new functions of
B12 vitamin in constitutive metabolism; the ability of
B12-deficient cells to switch from the anaerobic to aer-
obic respiration; the molecular mechanism of this
switch; synthesis of new bacteriocins and new methods
for production of propionic acid; and detection of
strains producing large amounts of porphyrins, NO,
and superoxide dismutase.
New bacterial associations are recommended for
cheese production and siloing. New areas of their appli-
cation are proposed.
The immunomodulating properties of propionibac-
teria are considered. Their probiotic properties attract
considerable medical and veterinary interest.
0003-6838/01/3702-0225$25.00 © 2001 MAIK “Nauka /Interperiodica”
The book consists of a preface, an introduction, a
history of the art, and seven chapters: (1) The Genus
Propionibacterium, (2) Genetics of propionibacteria;
(3) Energy transformation, (4) Biosynthesis and forma-
tion of bioactive compounds, (5) The role of B12 vita-
mins in the metabolism of propionibacteria, (6) Immo-
bilized cells, and (7) Industrial and medical applica-
tion; and (8) Conclusion.
The book is 300 pages long. A great number of stud-
ies are cited.
The book is brilliantly designed. It contains figures
and electronic microphotographs comprehensible to
common readers.
The contents of the book, clearly presented, are impor-
tant for those studying microbiology and biotechnol-
ogy. The book can be considered an excellent textbook
for students and postgraduates. It is an up-to-date and
probably the best review dedicated to bacteria.
The book does credit to the author, as well as to the
Chair of Microbiology and Department of Biology of
the Moscow State University where it was written.
A. M. Bezborodov