Wide ranging general coverage of a variety of fundamental and applied aspects of this unique group of organisms, many of which have served as model organisms for the study of basic biological processes as well as the basis for the development of biotechnological systems for the production of advanced biofuels and commodity chemicals Summarizes recent advances in genetics, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and systems biology in a text suitable for either the specialist working with this group of organisms or for upper level and advanced degreestudents Showcases the recent developments and new research directions in this ever evolving field Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras