Plant molecular biology is rapidly becoming an important and successful component of the worldwide research challenge to apply basic biochemical, physiological and genetic techniques for the improvement of agricultural crops. This book shows how the study of fundamental plant physiological processes is being advanced through the science of genetics. The author has adopted a case study approach to illustrate how defined genetic materials in mutants and plant variants are being productively used to explore photosynthesis, stress tolerance, seed physiology, and flowering and reproductive morphology. This approach also helps avoid overwhelming readers who might be unfamiliar with the enormous detail now available in this burgeoning field. The case studies cover all major fields of plant physiology and are grouped in a format familiar to students of the discipline. Most take the form of a brief introduction followed by a discussion of the isolation and characterization of the mutants in question, and then by examples of how these mutants have been used to provide physiological insights. The aim is to make the information accessible to students with an elementary knowledge of plant physiology, genetics, and molecular biology, as well as other scientists and students who wish to know more about the application of the powerful tools provided by genetics.

John King's profile page

John King is at University of Saskatchewan.

"Each case study has a nice readable account of the physiological and biochemical processes. . . .Will serve nicely as a ready reference source on specific mutants." --Plant Science Bulletin "

"The coverage is broad, and shows a consistency which would not be found in a collection of reviews of the same scope. The brief introductions to each case study would in themselves make a useful physiology textbook. . . . the book appears to mark the end of a period of research, and not to herald the beginning of a new one. Perhaps this will make it an enduring classic." --Journal of Genetical Research

"Its value lies in the opportunity it gives readers to look over the fence into areas of research other than their main interest. . . .I was very impressed by the breadth of the book. . . .It will not only be of interest to the plant physiologist, but will be particularly useful to the molecular biologist. . . .I think this book is successful in meeting the author's objectives and I am sure it will take its rightful place in both main and departmental libraries." --Plant, Cell and Environment

"Interesting and up-to-date. . . .Useful for advanced undergraduates, graduates, and faculty." --Choice "I was very impressed by the breadth of the book and like the selective way in which case studies are used to restrict its scope. It will not only be of interest to the plant physiologist, but will be particularly useful to the molecular biologist. In general I think this book is successful in meeting the authors objectives and I am sure it will take its rightful place in both main and departmental libraries." --Richard E. Kendrick, Wageningen Agricultural University