J. Kenneth Hoober - Böcker

This monograph is intended to provide an overview of the structure, function, and development of the chloroplast. It should be viewed as a beginning of the study of chloroplasts and not as an end. In keeping with an introductory approach, abbreviations generally have not been used, so that substance is not replaced by symbol. The principal aim has been to provide a teaching tool to introduce students to the major characteristics of the chloroplast, with as much emphasis on mech­ anisms as possible at this level. It was written for students with an advanced college level education in biology and chemistry who also have some knowl­ edge of biochemistry. The fundamentals of these subj ects cannot be included in a book of this type. However, to provide a meaningful description of how the chloroplast works, Le. , what the mechanisms of photosynthetic reactions are, the subj ect must be dealt with at the molecular level. Living systems are chemical systems, and the importance of understanding these systems at the molecular level cannot be overstated. Therefore, although attempts were made to keep the chemistry at a relatively simple level, occasionally statements are made that can be understood only with a sufficient background knowledge of chemistry. It is important for students to realize in broad outline form the functions of the chloroplast and where its functions fit into the scheme of life.

"The Structure and Function of Plastids" is Volume 23 in the "Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration Series". This volume provides a comprehensive look at the biology of plastids, the multifunctional biosynthetic factories that are unique to plants and algae. Fifty-nine international experts have contributed 27 chapters that cover all aspects of this large and diverse family of plant and algal organelles.

"The Structure and Function of Plastids" provides a comprehensive look at the biology of plastids, the multifunctional biosynthetic factories that are unique to plants and algae. Fifty-nine international experts have contributed 28 chapters that cover all aspects of this large and diverse family of plant and algal organelles.

As the industrial revolution that has been based on by higher photosynthetic efficiencies and more utilization of fossil fuels nears its end [R. A. Ker biomass production per unit area. (2007) Even oil optimists expect energy demand to According to Times Magazine (April 30, 2007 outstrip supply. Science 317: 437], the next indus- issue), one fifth of the US corn crop is presently trial revolution will most likely need development converted into ethanol, which is considered to burn of alternate sources of clean energy. In addition cleaner than gasoline and to produce less gre- to the development of hydroelectric power, these house gases. In order to meet a target of 35 billion efforts will probably include the conversion of gallons of ethanol produced by the year 2017, the wind, sea wave motion and solar energy [Solar Day entire US corn crop would need to be turned into in the Sun (2007) Business week, October 15, pp fuel. But crops such as corn and sugarcane cannot 69–76] into electrical energy. The most promising yield enough to produce all the needed fuel. F- of those will probably be based on the full usage thermore, even if all available starch is converted of solar energy. The latter is likely to be plenti- into fuel, it would only produce about 10% of ful for the next 2–3 billion years. Most probably, our gasoline needs [R. F.