Plant Microtubules

Since the publication of the first edition of Plant Microtubules in 2000, our understanding of microtubules and their manifold functions have advanced substantially. This revised edition highlights the morphogenetic potential of plant microtubules from three general viewpoints: Microtubules and Morphogenesis, Microtubules and Environment, Microtubules and Evolution. The book is an invaluable source of information for researchers as well as for graduate and advanced students.

Manipulation of plant architecture is regarded as a new and promising issue in plant biotechnology. Given the important role of the cytoskeleton during plant growth and development, microtubules provide an important target for biotechnological applications aiming to change plant architecture. This book introduces some microtubule-mediated key processes that are important for plant life and amenable to manipulation by either genetic, pharmacological or morphological rationales. In the first part, the role of microtubules in plant morphogenesis is reviewed. The second part covers their role in response to environmental factors. The third part deals with the tools that can be used for biotechnological manipulation.

The first compilation of a wealth of knowledge on tobacco BY-2 cells, often cited as the HeLa cell line of higher plants. Basic issues of cell cycle progression, cytokinesis, cell organization and factors that are involved in these processes are covered in detail. Since the tobacco cell line is used as a tool for research in molecular and cellular biology, several chapters on such studies are also included. Further, changes of primary and secondary metabolites during culture and factors that affect these processes are treated. Last but not least, the so far unpublished historical background of the BY-2 cell line is described. This volume is a must for any scientist working in the field of plant biology.

Plant cells house highly dynamic cytoskeletal networks of microtubules and actin microfilaments. They constantly undergo remodeling to fulfill their roles in supporting cell division, enlargement, and differentiation. Following early studies on structural aspects of the networks, recent breakthroughs have connected them with more and more intracellular events essential for plant growth and development. Advanced technologies in cell biology (live-cell imaging in particular), molecular genetics, genomics, and proteomics have revolutionized this field of study. Stories summarized in this book may inspire enthusiastic scientists to pursue new directions toward understanding functions of the plant cytoskeleton. The Plant Cytoskeleton is divided into three sections: 1) Molecular Basis of the Plant Cytoskeleton; 2) Cytoskeletal Reorganization in Plant Cell Division; and 3) The Cytoskeleton in Plant Growth and Development. This book is aimed at serving as a resource for anyone who wishes to learn about the plant cytoskeleton beyond ordinary textbooks.

The study of plant cell expansion involves many different disciplines and technical approaches, and this book brings this diversity together to present a multifaceted view of the most up-to-date knowledge. Coverage includes data ranging from biophysical measurements and chemical analysis to molecular biological approaches and microscopy.

Factors affecting the shape of plant cells have been studied since the last century and are increasingly described in molecular terms. At the cellular level it is now known that shape is controlled by interactions between the cytoskeleton and the cell wall. This book concentrates on the nature of this relationship and its place in the developmental program. Chapters are relatively short and summarize progress over the last decade brought about by advances in cellular and molecular techniques. The contents are organized from molecular, through cellular, to developmental aspects which are grouped according to major themes such as "Molecules of the Cytoskeleton", "Directional Cell Expansion" and "The Cytoskeleton in Development". Each section opens with an editorial overview. The comprehensive nature of the book helps make it an indispensable reference for researchers and advanced students in plant cell and molecular biology. Key Features * Updates Lloyd's previous book on plant cytoskeletons * Consists of short, up-to-date contributions, divided into sections which are linked by special pieces written by the editor * The sections cover: * Cytoskeleton molecules * The cell wall * Cell expansion * Cell division * The role of the cytoskeleton in plant development

Actin is one of the most abundant proteins and ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotes. In recent years, the analysis of structure and function of such complexes has shed new light on actin's role in cellular and tissue morphogenesis, locomotion and various forms of intracellular motility, but also on its role in nuclear processes like chromatin architecture and transcription. Progress in understanding these different physiological phenomena, but also in unravelling the basis of actin-based pathophysiological processes has been made by combining video microscopy, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. Thus, the current research on actin, as ongoing in many international laboratories, is a "hot spot" in basic and translational research in life sciences. In this book on "The Actin Cytoskeleton", twelve internationally renowned authors present specific chapters that cover their recent work concerned with the various roles of actin mentioned above. This comprehensive volume is therefore an attractive handbook for teachers and students in many fields of medicine and pharmacology.