Intercellular and Intracellular Communication – serie

The complementary binding of a ligand and receptor is the basic language of intercellular communication and this book takes a broad look at the current status of research on receptors in higher and lower plants. It starts with a discussion of some hormone receptors (auxins, ethylene and gibberellin) in higher plants, and then considers the role of cyclic AMP and its receptors in the slime mould Dictyostelium. Authoritative accounts of our present knowledge of several 'adhesive' phenomena are also given. These include fertilization in higher plants and yeasts, the infection of protoplasts by pathogens and of root hairs by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, cell-cell adhesion in Dictyostelium and a general consideration of the functions of lectins. First published in 1986, this book will be valuable to biochemists, cell biologists and physiologists at the research level.

This book was first published in 1994. Vitamins are essential micronutrients available to animal organisms through the diet. This book takes a fresh approach to vitamin-binding proteins, with emphasis on the nature of the binding of the vitamin ligand to a protein and its sequela. The role of vitamin-binding proteins as initiators of the metabolic response is evaluated. Experts in the field from around the world present an account of their work on the interaction of vitamins with specific intracellular systems through the appropriate binding proteins and how this interaction results in the biological action of vitamins. The book will be of interest to research workers and postgraduate students in the field of biochemistry and nutrition.

This book summarises current studies which involve receptors and ligands in neurological disorders. The advance in the study of receptors in general enables investigators to explore the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs and to minimise their side effects. It will lead to the study of molecular events and an understanding of the nature and cause of the various diseases and to more accurate diagnoses which may give more effective therapeutic treatments. Each chapter is written by experts in the field and the volume has been carefully edited to ensure its usefulness to pharmacologists, neurologists and neuroscieentists.