The Molecular Organography Of Plants

Plant organs are therefore discussed in the context of the evolution of development ("evo-devo"), and their basis in molecular developmental genetics is described.

The history of plant evolution has been one of increasing complexity. The field of 'evo-devo' (evolution of development) seeks to explain this diversity by examining the evolution of the molecular and developmental processes responsible for plant form. This book surveys the structural complexity of plant form within this new framework.

In the preface to the first edition ofthis book, we expressed a conviction that there was a need for a short book that highlighted important advances in the new discipline of plant molecular biology. The rapid development of this topic has been brought about by the recognition of the unique properties of plants in the study of growth and development together with the application of recombinant DNA techniques to tackle these problems. Plant cells contain DNA in nuclei, plastids and mitochondria, and so offer the unique challenge of studying the interaction of three separate genetic systems in a single organism. The molecular approach has provided, in recent years, a wealth of important information about how plants function, and how they interact with bacteria, fungi and viruses. Furthermore, plant development involves the regulation of gene expression in response to intern al and external signals, and plant molecular biology has provided a fundamental insight into how this development is regulated. This is not only of considerable scientific interest, but also has important implications for the production of plants and plant products in agriculture, horticulture and the food industries.

Interest in developmental biology has exploded in recent years with the use of molecular techniques. There are some excellent textbooks on animal systems, but they make only a token gesture towards plants. For this book, Peter Westhoff and his strong team of co-authors have taken great painsto prepare a clear, integrated textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the molecular and developmental biology of plants. Pedagogical features include boxes and definitions, two-colour text and illustrations throughout, and an extensive glossary. A short format has been chosendeliberately to keep the information concise, while building on basic knowledge which is treated in more elementary textbooks and referring to additional work in a commented bibliography.

With over 1000 original drawings and 500 photographs, this work offers complete coverage of cell biology, plant physiology and molecular biology.

Researches and studies of plants at molecular levels of structure and functioning have facilitated the development of significant techniques for plant breeding, crop protection, etc. It has also influenced the discipline of biotechnology to a great extent. Replete with significant details and examples, this book covers the structure, function, mechanisms and regulatory processes which occur within plants at molecular levels. Also included in this book are detailed explanations of the various concepts and applications of plant genomics which would enhance the knowledge of the readers. This book strives to aid the students and researchers of botany and associated fields of biology.

A stunning landmark co-publication between the American Society of Plant Biologists and Wiley-Blackwell. The Molecular Life of Plants presents students with an innovative, integrated approach to plant science. It looks at the processes and mechanisms that underlie each stage of plant life and describes the intricate network of cellular, molecular, biochemical and physiological events through which plants make life on land possible. Richly illustrated, this book follows the life of the plant, starting with the seed, progressing through germination to the seedling and mature plant, and ending with reproduction and senescence. This "seed-to-seed" approach will provide students with a logical framework for acquiring the knowledge needed to fully understand plant growth and development. Written by a highly respected and experienced author team The Molecular Life of Plants will prove invaluable to students needing a comprehensive, integrated introduction to the subject across a variety of disciplines including plant science, biological science, horticulture and agriculture.

Practical Applications of Plant Molecular Biology is an important new title which covers the major techniques and how they are applied to a range of vitally important areas. Divided broadly into four sections, this book covers key subjects including the identification of plants and plant pathogens using molecular techniques, the estimation of genetic variation in plants, the use of molecular markers in plant improvement and the use of plant transformation techniques for the improvement of quality and the introduction of resistance. Also included is a comprehensive listing and description of the most frequently used techniques and a set of appendices covering useful topics of reference for the reader. All undergraduates studying plant sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology and agricultural sciences would benefit from having access to this title as would those studying for upper-level Masters courses concentrating on the disciplines covered. This book also provides an invaluable source of reference for professionals in agriculture, plant breeding, crop protection and improvement, biotechnology and molecular biology.

This title is the first part of an all-new replacement for the original book Plant Molecular Biology. The approaches outlined in this volume cover a wide range of techniques for gene isolation, gene identification and subsequent gene isolation.

This volume is based on papers presented at the 1990 Society for Experimental Biology Symposium and is concerned with the molecular basis of morphogenesis and differentiation in plants. Several chapters discuss how a combined genetic and molecular approach involving the isolation and characterization of mutants, physical mapping of the genome and chromosome walking is leading to the identification and isolation of genes controlling specific developmental processes. Further chapters deal with the use of gene tagging and antisense RNA techniques. Much of this research involves Aarabidopsis because of its well known advantages for the genetic and molecular analysis of plant development. Several chapters describe progress which has been made in the identification of receptors for plant growth regulators, the investigation of cellular signalling systems and the study of DNA sequences that interact with specific DNA-binding proteins. In total, the work of approximately twenty internationally renowned laboratories is presented.