This #1 selling non-majors microbiology book is praised for its straightforward presentation of complex topics, careful balance of concepts and applications, and proven art that teaches. In its Tenth Edition, Tortora/Funke/Case responds to the #1 challenge of the microbiology course: teaching a wide range of reader levels, while still addressing reader under-preparedness. The Tenth Edition meets readers at their respective skill levels.

First, the book signals core microbiology content to readers with the new and highly visual Foundation Figures that readers need to understand before moving forward in a chapter. Second, the book gives readers frequent opportunities for self-assessment with the new Check Your Understanding questions that correspond by number to the chapter Learning Objectives. Then, a new “visual learning” orientation includes: an increased number of the popular Diseases in Focus boxes, newly illustrated end-of-chapter Study Outlines that provide students with visual cues to remind them of chapter content, and new end-of-chapter Draw It questions. The all-new art program is contemporary without compromising Tortora/Funke/Case’s hallmark reputation for precision and clarity. Content revisions include substantially revised immunity chapters and an increased emphasis on antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism, and biofilms. The new Get Ready for Microbiology  workbook and online practice and assessment materials help readers prepare for the course.

The Microbial World and You, Chemical Principles, Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope, Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Microbial Metabolism, Microbial Growth, The Control of Microbial Growth, Microbial Genetics, Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA, Classification of Microorganisms, The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea, The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths, Viruses, Viroids, and Prions, Principles of Disease and Epidemiology, Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity, Innate Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the Host, Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host, Practical Applications of Immunology, Disorders Associated with the Immune System, Antimicrobial Drugs, Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes, Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System, Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems, Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System, Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System, Microbial Diseases of the Urinary and Reproductive Systems, Environmental Microbiology,  Applied and Industrial Microbiology . Intended for those interested in learning the basics of microbiology.