J. Allan Downie - Böcker

Several fundamental advances were announced at the Seventh International Symposium on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions held in Edinburgh in 1994. These included the cloning and identification of plant resistance genes involved in recognition of pathogens; the description of genetically engineered plants with novel resistance to pathogens; characterization of the molecular basis of pathogenicity of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens; and the mechanisms of communication used during recognition between symbiotic rhizobia and their host legumes. Participants in the Symposium contributed a series of papers that represent the leading edge of research in this important area of plant and microbial science. These articles are brought together to form this book, which should be useful reading for research workers, advanced students and others interested in keeping abreast of this rapidly developing area.

This exciting new textbook presents current knowledge of plant biology, highlighting important topics for future development and research. Starting with the evolutionary history of plants, the book addresses the dynamic nature and regulation of plant genomes, the conversion of products of photosynthesis into the vast diversity of molecules that comprise the plant body, and the nature and coordination of growth, development, and reproduction of the plant. The book next describes how these fundamental properties of plants are impacted by their surroundings – by the physical environment including light, day length, and temperature, and by interactions with other organisms such as pests and pathogens, pollinators, and microbes that supply nutrients. Finally, the book outlines the history, importance, and future of human interactions with plants.Key features:Each chapter is prefaced with Learning Objectives directly related to the text that follows as a convenient scene-setter for both students and instructorsThroughout the book, text descriptions are accompanied by informative, high-quality illustrations aiding understanding of complex concepts and mechanismsExtensive online material expands and enhances understanding of many of the topics covered, allowing students to test their knowledge of chapter content and prepare for formal examinationsCarefully designed for, and written at, a level accessible to all undergraduate biologists who have a grounding in the fundamentals of molecular biology and biochemistry, Essential Plant Biology is also a valuable resource for postgraduates in plant research. For lecturers, the breadth of coverage and clear organization facilitate the teaching of both complete courses in plant science and more focused topics in plant biology.

This exciting new textbook presents current knowledge of plant biology, highlighting important topics for future development and research. Starting with the evolutionary history of plants, the book addresses the dynamic nature and regulation of plant genomes, the conversion of products of photosynthesis into the vast diversity of molecules that comprise the plant body, and the nature and coordination of growth, development, and reproduction of the plant. The book next describes how these fundamental properties of plants are impacted by their surroundings – by the physical environment including light, day length, and temperature, and by interactions with other organisms such as pests and pathogens, pollinators, and microbes that supply nutrients. Finally, the book outlines the history, importance, and future of human interactions with plants.Key features:Each chapter is prefaced with Learning Objectives directly related to the text that follows as a convenient scene-setter for both students and instructorsThroughout the book, text descriptions are accompanied by informative, high-quality illustrations aiding understanding of complex concepts and mechanismsExtensive online material expands and enhances understanding of many of the topics covered, allowing students to test their knowledge of chapter content and prepare for formal examinationsCarefully designed for, and written at, a level accessible to all undergraduate biologists who have a grounding in the fundamentals of molecular biology and biochemistry, Essential Plant Biology is also a valuable resource for postgraduates in plant research. For lecturers, the breadth of coverage and clear organization facilitate the teaching of both complete courses in plant science and more focused topics in plant biology.