Bacillus subtilis has become widely adopted as a model organism for laboratory studies and is one of the best understood prokaryotes in terms of molecular and cellular biology. Its superb genetic amenability and relatively large size have provided powerful tools to investigate a bacterium in all possible aspects. Extensively revised and updated, the second edition of this valuable reference work provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the current knowledge and new research in Bacillus molecular and cellular biology. Internationally renowned authors contribute critical reviews on the most recent and topical research. The subjects covered include: chromosome replication * DNA repair * chromosome segregation * cell division * transcription and translation * RNA-mediated regulation * general and regulatory proteolysis * the actin-like MreB cytoskeleton * the membrane proteome * the cell wall * endospore formation * biofilms * multicellularity and social behavior * competence * transformation.