This book collates and reviews recent advances in the microbial metabolism of amino acids, emphasizing diversity -- in terms of the range of organisms under investigation and their natural ecology -- and the unique features of amino acid metabolism in bacteria, yeasts, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. As well as studying the individual amino acids, including arginine, sulfur amino acids, branched-chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids, a number of themes are explored throughout the work. These include:* Comparative issues between the metabolism of microbes and those of higher organisms, including plants and mammals* Potential for drug targets in pathways of both biosynthesis and degradation of amino acids* Relationship between amino acids or associated enzymes and virulence in parasitic pathogens* Practical implications for food microbiology and pathogen characterization* Future priorities relating to fundamental biochemistry of microrganisms, food quality and safety, human and animal health, plant pathology, drug design and ecologyAs the volume of research into the metabolism of amino acids grows, this comprehensive study of the subject is a vital tool for researchers in the fields of biological, medical and veterinary sciences, including microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and pathology. This book is also essential for corporate organizations with active research and development programs, such as those in the pharmaceutical industry.