The Molecular Life of Plants

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.

Preface xxiii Part I Origins 1 Plant life: a primer 3 2 Molecules, metabolism and energy 42 3 Genome organization and expression 74 4 Cell architecture 114 Part II Germination 5 Membrane transport and intracellular protein trafficking 149 6 Seed to seedling: germination and mobilization of food reserves 181 7 Metabolism of reserves: respiration and gluconeogenesis 218 Part III Emergence 8 Light perception and transduction 251 9 Photosynthesis and photorespiration 284 Part IV Growth 10 Hormones and other signals 329 11 The cell cycle and meristems 371 12 Growth and development 405 Part V Maturation 13 Mineral nutrient acquisition and assimilation 455 14 Intercellular and long-distance transport 504 15 Environmental interactions 534 Part VI Renewal 16 Flowering and sexual reproduction 585 17 Development and dormancy of resting structures 629 18 Senescence, ripening and cell death 664 Acknowledgments, credits and sources 707 Index 713