Cells, the basic units of life, require membranes for their existence. Foremost among these is the plasma membrane, which defines each cell’s boundary and helps create and maintain electrochemically distinct environments within and outside the cell. Other membranes enclose eukaryotic organelles such as the nucleus, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Membranes also form internal compartments, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cytoplasm and thylakoids in the chloroplast. The mitochondria are organelles shaped like elongated slippers; their cross sectional diameters are about 1 micron. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants" is a major contribution to the plant biology literature. It is intended to serve plant biology and related disciplines, ranging from molecular biology and biotechnology to biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and ecology. Researchers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agribusiness industries will find a wealth of information inside.
