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This book compiles new findings in plant electrophysiology from the work of internationally renowned experts in the fields of electrophysiology, bio-electrochemistry, biophysics, signal transduction, phloem transport, tropisms, ion channels, plant electrochemistry, and membrane transport. Opening with a historical introduction, the book reviews methods in plant electrophysiology, introducing such topics as measuring membrane potentials and ion fluxes, path-clamp technique, and electrochemical sensors. The coverage includes experimental results and their theoretical interpretation.

Customer Reviews (1)

Electrophysiology resurfacing
It is a fine collection of papers on a subject that has been neglected by the scientific community. ... Read more

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In this comprehensive and stimulating text and reference, the authors have succeeded in combining experimental data with current hypotheses and theories to explain the complex physiological functions of plants. For every student, teacher and researcher in the plant sciences it offers a solid basis for an in-depth understanding of the entire subject area, underpinning up-to-date research in plant physiology. The authors vividly explain current research by references to experiments, they cite original literature in figures and tables, and, at the end of each chapter, list recent references that are relevant for a deeper analysis of the topic. In addition, an abundance of detailed and informative illustrations complement the text. ... Read more

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With the advent of transgene technology, plant physiology, over the last ten years, has undergone a sea-change and there is a need to rewrite . Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Flowering Plants attempts to provide an uptodate account. The first chapter Seed Germination and Seedling: Beginning of an Establishment discusses light and hormonal control of these processes followed by chapters on vegetative and reproductive phases of plants. In Vegetative Phase novel concepts such as Stem-cell and Determination of Cell-fate and conceptual changes concerning apical dominance and stomatal physiology, followed by Reproductive Phase where floral evocation, floral stimulus and gene expression during flowering are discussed. ... Read more

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Coupled with biomechanical data, organic geochemistry and cladistic analyses utilizing abundant genetic data, scientific studies are revealing new facets of how plants have evolved over time. This collection of papers examines these early stages of plant physiology evolution by describing the initial physiological adaptations necessary for survival as upright structures in a dry, terrestrial environment. The Evolution of Plant Physiology also encompasses physiology in its broadest sense to include biochemistry, histology, mechanics, development, growth, reproduction and with an emphasis on the interplay between physiology, development and plant evolution.

* Contributions from leading neo- and palaeo-botanists from the Linnean Society
* Focus on how evolution shaped photosynthesis, respiration, reproduction and metabolism.
* Coverage of the effects of specific evolutionary forces -- variations in water and nutrient availability, grazing pressure, and other environmental variables ... Read more

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Over recent years, progress in micropropagation has not been asrapid as many expected and, even now, relatively few crops areproduced commercially. One reason for this is that the biology ofmaterial growingin vitro has been insufficiently understoodfor modifications to standard methods to be made based on soundphysiological principles. However, during the past decade, tissueculture companies and others have invested considerable effort toreduce the empirical nature of the production process. The idea of theconference `Physiology, Growth and Development of Plants and Cells inCulture' (Lancaster, 1992) was to introduce specialists in differentareas of plant physiology to micropropagators, with the express aimsof disseminating as wide a range of information to as large a numberof participants as possible, and beginning new discussions on theconstraints and potentials affecting the development ofinvitro plant production methods. This book is based on presentations from the conference and has beendivided into two main sections, dealing with either aspects of thein vitro environment -- light, nutrients, water, gas -- orwith applied aspects of the culture process -- morphogenesis,acclimation, rejuvenation, contamination. ... Read more

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Examines basic vegetable physiologies, causes of spoilage, quality changes, novel techniques to improve quality, and viable storage practices for different categories of vegetables during the postharvest period. ... Read more

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Methods in Plant Cell Biology provides in two volumes a comprehensive collection of analytical methods essential for researchers and students in the plant sciences. Individual chapters, written by experts in the field, provide an introductory overview, followed by a step-by-step technical description of the methods. This is accompanied by examples of typical results, illustrations, troubleshooting of potential pitfalls, sources of chemicals and equipment, and complete reference lists. Protocols are written to be easily comprehended by beginning research students, but these extensive volumes will also be a valuable addition to the libraries of expert researchers.

Key Features
* Written by experts, many of whom have developed the individual methods described
Key Features
* Written by experts, many of whom have developed the individual methods described
* Contains most, if not all, the methods needed for modern research in plant cell biology
* Up-to-date and comprehensive
* Cookbook style is simple to follow, troubleshooting details are provided, and illustrations are clear
* Full references
* Allows quick access to relevant journal articles and to the sources of chemicals required for the procedures
* Selective concentration on higher plant methods allows for particular emphasis on those problems specific to plants ... Read more

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Nearly all the chemical elements that make up living things are mineral elements, the ultimate source of which is rock weathered into soil. In the thoroughly revised Second Edition of Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives, Epstein and Bloom explain that plant roots "mine" these nutrient elements from their inorganic substrate and introduce them into the realm of living things. The authors trace the subsequent movement of these nutrients into other plant organs, tissues, cells, and organelles, their biochemical assimilation, and their functions in plant physiology and metabolism. Treatment of these processes extends from molecular biology through global biogeochemistry. The text, illustrated in full color, is accessible both to undergraduate students in plant physiology, agronomy, horticulture, and environmental studies and to researchers in these and other plant biological fields. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

love it
I took a 500 level class on fertility. this book is easy to read, updated information and good explanations.

Such a nice piece of information about Plant Nutrition
I just received a copy of this book from Dr. Epstein. After taking a look at it, I must say that it is a great piece of information for those interesting in Plant Nutrition. You must have a copy of this book for yourself. ... Read more

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This volume covers new developments in tissue culture, stress physiology, secondary metabolities. Subjective and objective questions have been provided at the end of each chapter and tabulated differences between allied processes like Fluorescence and Phosphorescence provided. ... Read more

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Plant reproductive biology has undergone a revolution duringthe past five years, with the cloning, sequencing and localization ofthe genes important in reproduction. These advantages in plantmolecular biology have led to exciting applications in plantbiotechnology, including the genetic engineering of male sterility andother reproductive processes. This book presents an interesting andcontemporary account of these new developments from the scientists inwhose laboratories they have been made. The chapters focus on twoareas: the molecular biology of self-incompatibility, which is thesystem of self-recognition controlled by the S-gene and related genes;and the cellular and molecular biology of pollen development andgenetic dissection of male sterility. Some chapters featureArabidopsis, with its unique genetic system. Reproduction isvital for seed production in crop plants, and this book presents newapproaches to manipulate plant breeding systems for the 21st century.
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"This book has the most beautiful illustrations of carnivorous plantsthat I have ever seen." -- Carroll E. Wood, Jr., Curator and Professorof Biology, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Plants that catch and feed upon animals exert a strange fascination oftheir own. The mobile tentacles of the Sundews, the snapping lobes ofthe Venus Fly Trap and the slippery, baited pitfalls of the PitcherPlants provide the stuff of which science fiction is made. Yet far frombeing fantasy, these extraordinary organisms are fact, and this bookexplores in depth the astonishingly subtle manner in which each type oftrap entices, catches, and digests its prey.

The author focuses on some fifty species, using photographs, linedrawings, and diagrams to illustrate their peculiarities. He takes usfrom his own climate to the mountains of Borneo, through the bushlandsof Australia, to the swamps of the Amazon Forest. We find plants whosetraps catch only microscopic animals, and others that may trap smallreptiles, mammals and even birds.

In addition to its spectacular photographs, other important features arethe book's world-wide coverage of carnivorous plants (the first since1942) and its comprehensive chapters on cultivation of the variousgroups. It will appeal to botanists and zoologists and to the numerousenthusiasts who will find a good many of these intriguing plants easy togrow indoors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Outstanding reference for carnivorous plants!
I think some of the previous reviewers may not have been aware that Adrian Slack has a different book available that deals specifically with growing carnivorous plants. This book's intended purpose is definitely not to be a "growing guide" for carnivorous plants. Rather, it is a rigorous and detailed study of the plants themselves, their history, biology and trapping mechanisms. Yes, there is a small section in end of the book regarding cultivation, but it is clearly intended to serve more as an appendix than a main chapter in the book.

To dismiss this text on the basis that it is not a growing guide and that it lacks sufficient cultivation information is a cheap shot, because that was never the author's intent and anyone who has read it could tell you that.

For what this book IS intended to do, it is without a doubt the best on the market (even today!). No other carnivorous plant book on the market today covers their biology and trapping mechanisms in such vivid detail, nor do they provide such high quality drawings and examinations of just how these plants function.

If you want information on how to cultivate these amazing plants, this is definitely not the book for you. If, however, you want to know where these plants come from and seek rigorous scientific detail on just how they work, this is without a doubt the best resource in publication, bar none.

This book has been around for a long time and I hope it remains in publication because there is currently nothing else that supplies the same information. If you are growing these plants and want to know more about them than what is covered in more popular cultivation books (e.g. Peter D'Amato or Barry Rice's texts) then this book is what you need. It makes an excellent companion to many of the cultivation books on the market today and will give you an even greater appreciation and understanding of these remarkable plants.

Fantastic on the scientific side of things
This book definitely excels in the scientific side of things. Reading the various methods by which the plants lure their prey and then trap them was extremely fascinating. There is no doubt, that if you want to know the different mechanisms by which these amazing plants work, then this book is for you.

Unfortunately, I don't feel it explained in any great detail on how to cultivate the plants or how to grow them. The section of the book that dealt with growing the plants was rather superficial and disorganised.

Nonetheless, when it comes to science I give it 5 stars, but when it comes to methods of growing, I give it 3 stars. Overall, I would give it four stars. I still recommend it- it was a great read for me and I'm sure it will be for you too.

A bit of a disappointment
I was a little disappointed with this book.Adrian Slack's expertise can't be doubted but as a layperson I found the book heavy going. There was an awful lot of scientific jargon used and I didn't even finish reading it - something I rarely do. There were some stunning full-page colour photos in the book which were sadly few and far between.Most of the photos were black and white or sketches.I like my gardening books to have full colour photos and a minimum of jargon.One for those with scientific/botanical backgrounds only I think.

Great for the collector, but probably not for a beginner
This book takes a look at the various types and species of carnivorous plants.It is not an all-encompasing field guide and doesn't try to list every known species, but is a good introduction to carnivorous plants and the methods they use to trap prey and some of the more common species in cultivation at the time.

Practical growing advice is at a minimum - for that it's better to see the author's later work Insect-eating Plants and How to Grow Them (recently reprinted as Insect Eaters), or a more recent book such as D'Amato's The Savage Garden.As I understand it, this was the first serious book devoted specifically to the study of carnivorous plants since the 1940's.As such it is probably more suitable to the collector of carnivorous plants (and books about them) than someone who is trying to grow them.

But still, I've heard Slack called the "Father" of modern carnivorous plant cultivation, and his books deserve respect for that alone.The photos in the book are superb, although there are few, and most are B&W.

Informative and comprehensive, great photos
The book is outstanding.It covers most types of carnivorous plants, and has many excelent color photos.It has a section on how to grow & care for each type of plant.From pot size, soil, light, humidity, fertilizers, growing period and more.

A minor negative - some additional information would have been useful.I wish it had a little more information on the optimal pot size for the plants, some have this info, some don't.And don't expect it to have every complex Sarracenia Hybrid covered, although it does have a lot of them.

Ive read many (most?) books on CPs published in the last 50-60 years, and this one covers more, provides more info, and has better pictures.This deserves 5 stars, unlike the typically inflated rating.I use it to research any plants I consider buying. If you're interested in CPs this book would be worth buying.It's a steal at its current price. ... .


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This timely reference integrates the latest advances in the diverse and rapidly expanding field of seed science---from ecological and demographic aspects of seed production, dispersal, and germination to the molecular biology of seed development. ... Read more

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Textbooks on human physiology abound. However, they are either basic in nature or are rigorous treatments written for medical and nursing students and exceed the level of detail that pharmacy students need. Essentials of Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach puts the important topics right at students' fingertips. It describes physiology with just the right amount of detail and contains references to therapeutics and the practice of pharmacy that help students understand basic concepts. Providing the fundamentals of physiology specifically geared towards pharmacy students, the book establishes the connection between physiology and pharmacy. ... Read more

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This unique resource reviews progress made by scientists researching into how ambient changes in the wavelength, intensity, direction and duration of light environment affect plant growth and development - explaining how combinations of new research with classical photobiology and physiology made feasible to interpret intriguing light dependent phenomena such as phototropism, determination of flowering time, shade avoidance etc. at molecular level. Written by over 20 leading experts in the field "Photomorphogenesis in Plants and Bacteria 3rd edition" covers major breakthroughs achieved in the last decade including identification of novel photoreceptors and a variety of molecular mechanisms that mediate photoreceptors controlled signaling induced by the absorption of light photon. ... Read more

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A thorough synthesis of current knowledge about the ways canopies grow, develop, and function. Only recently have advances in simulation modeling in plants begun to emphasize the structural and functional properties of plant canopies in addition to those of the individual constituent leaves. The book considers these properties in terms of the processes--such as transpiration and photosynthesis--by which the canopy and its aerial environment interact. Topics discussed include the meaning of canopy structure, interception of solar radiation, exchange processes, nitrogen nutrition, leaf demography, leaf movement, tillering and branching, and modeling canopy processes from a wide range of plant communities and geographical locations. ... Read more

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The third edition of a standard resource, this book offers a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary presentation of plant roots. It examines structure and development, assemblage of root systems, metabolism and growth, stressful environments, and interactions at the rhizosphere. Reflecting the explosion of advances and emerging technologies in the field, the book presents developments in the study of root origin, composition, formation, and behavior for the production of novel pharmaceutical and medicinal compounds, agrochemicals, dyes, flavors, and pesticides. It details breakthroughs in genetics, molecular biology, growth substance physiology, biotechnology, and biomechanics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Plant roots: The Hidden Half
For all plant specialists and plant care practitioners,
including those in the tree care industry or even managers of
vegetation inhabited landscapes this text is a must read. It
equips one with the tools necessary to argue, defend and educate
all on matters pertaining to plant root zone understanding and
protection.Despite its hefty price (and no accompanying CD) it
is indeed a worthwhile expense for far insights to a long
neglected area of the plant sciences. ... Read more

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Outlines the various classes of phenolic compounds likely to be encountered by biologists, dealing with their structural diversity, distribution, and examples of their ecological significance. Paper. ... Read more