Functional Biology of Plants provides students and
researchers with a clearly written, well structured
whole plant physiology text. Early in the text, it
provides essential information on molecular and cellular
processes so that the reader can understand how they are
integrated into the development and function of the
plant at whole–plant level. Thus, this beautifully
illustrated book, presents a modern, applied integration
of whole plant and molecular approaches to the study of
plants. It is divided into four parts: Part 1: Genes and
Cells, looks at the origins of plants, cell structure,
biochemical processes and genes and development. Part 2:
The Functioning Plant, describes the structure and
function of roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seed and
fruit development. Part 3: Interactions and Adaptations,
examines environmental and biotic stresses and how
plants adapt and acclimatise to these conditions. Part
4: Future Directions, illustrates the great importance
of plant research by looking at some well chosen,
topical examples such as GM crops, biomass and
bio–fuels, loss of plant biodiversity and the question
of how to feed the planet. Throughout the book there are
text boxes to illustrate particular aspects of how
humans make use of plants, and a comprehensive glossary
proves invaluable to those coming to the subject from
other areas of life science.
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