Plant Epigenetics. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 19

Recently there have been remarkable advances in our understandingof epigenetic mechanisms in plants. Given the rapid increasein publication of scientific papers involved in plant epigenetics,a book that provides comprehensive coverage of recent knowledgeis earnestly     

Plant cell separation and adhesion. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 25.

Since the publication of Addicott's book Abscission (1982) andKoslowsky's book Shedding of Plant Parts (1973) no text bookhas appeared charting the subsequent progress in our understandingof the physiological and hormonal control of abscission andadhesion. The present volume is thus very timely and is an excellentexample of how molecular genetics had enhanced plant biologyat both basic and applied levels. While the authors fail totell us who this book is aimed at, there is no question thatit has intrinsic scientific interest and contributes stronglyto improving our understanding through new molecular experimentalmethods. It may also be important in agriculture and horticulture.However, in many chapters, the molecular and genetic informationis too introverted for readers whose interest is not primarilyin molecular genetics. A list of the titles of the chapters alone indicates the widescope of this     

Flowering and its manipulation. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 20

Flowering is at the heart of plant biology. As the organ forsexual reproduction, the flower is the site of genetic recombinationand the source of genetic diversity and, through seed production,the site of multiplication and dispersal. Grains produced throughthe flowering process provide the components of staple dietsfor most of the world's population. Flowering has also had aprominent position in the molecular and genetic revolution inthe last two decades where models of flower development, suchas Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, have provided leading insightsinto the mechanisms controlling development, morphogenesis,differentiation and     

Senescence processes in plants. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 26.

This is a timely book that addresses many of the recent advancesin the plant senescence field. Senescence is an important developmentalstep in the life cycle of a plant or a plant organ and the processcan have a considerable influence on agriculture. Leaf senescenceis induced as part of plant development but can also be prematurelyinduced as a result of environmental changes or harvesting.Premature     

Nitric oxide in plant growth, development and stress physiology. Plant Cell Monographs, Volume 6.

Nitric oxide and its role in biological systems has had an increasedprominence in the scientific literature since the 1980s, andreally came to light as a signalling molecule in plants in thelate 1990s. As discussed in the ‘Preface’ of thisbook, the number of publications concerning NO in plants hasincreased dramatically since that time, with little sign ofthis rise easing off. Therefore, a book that brings togethera variety     

Cell cycle development

The Keystone Symposium on the Cell Cycle and Development brought together biologists with an interest in how cell cycle control is integrated into the ontogenetic program of multicellular organisms, and showcased research using a wide variety of systems from both animals and plants. A clear indication from the meeting is that this research is changing the conventional wisdom on both cell cycle control and development.     

Cell lineage in plant development.

Lineage analyses in several plant species demonstrate that meristematic cells proliferate in a predictable manner to form the differentiated tissues of the mature shoot system. These studies also demonstrate, however, that the fates of meristematic cells are not absolutely dependent on their lineage. This variability indicates that interactions between cells must play a role in morphogenesis.     

Cell lineage in plant development.

Lineage analyses in several plant species demonstrate that meristematic cells proliferate in a predictable manner to form the differentiated tissues of the mature shoot system. These studies also demonstrate, however, that the fates of meristematic cells are not absolutely dependent on their lineage. This variability indicates that interactions between cells must play a role in morphogenesis.