This book discusses the strategies for preparing effective controls and standards for PCR, when they should be employed and how to interpret the information they provide. It highlights the significance of optimization for efficiency, precision and sensitivity of PCR methodology and provides essential guidance on how to troubleshoot inefficient reactions. Experts in PCR describe design and optimization techniques, discuss the use of appropriate controls, explain the significance of standard curves and explore the principles and strategies required for effective troubleshooting. In this book, leading scientists from around the world explore current concepts in molecular phylogeny and their application with respect to microorganisms. The chapters in this book reflect the range of technical advances and their applications that are currently transforming biology. Topics covered include the application of computational methods, the robotics of modern automation methodologies, the new chemical and imaging methods that reveal chromosome structure and elucidate gene function, and the emergence of evolutionary and functional information by comparative genomics.