Molecular genetics of plant development / Stephen H. Howell

Incluye referencias bibliográficas e índice

The purpose of this textbook is to present classical plant development in modern, molecular-genetic terms. The study of plant development is rapidly changing as genome sequencing projects uncover a multitude of new genes. This book provides a framework for integrating gene discovery and genome analysis into the context of plant development. Taking a systems approach, concepts in plant development are com-pared with those in animal development, and complex processes, such as flowering and photomorphogenesis, are presented as pathways of gene action regulated by positional and environmental cues. Emphasis is placed on organ formation, such as the development of roots, shoots, and leaves, and life-cycle events, for example, embryogenesis, seedling development, and the transition to flowering. Examples are drawn primarily from model plants with well-studied genetic systems, particularly Arabidopsis and maize. Molecular Genetics of Plant Development is designed to be used as a textbook for upper division or graduate courses in plant development. The book will also serve as a reference book for scientists in the field of plant molecular biology or plant molecular genetics. The book is also useful for general development courses in which both animal and plant development are presented. Stephen Howell is currently vice president for research at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research and adjunct professor of plant biology at Cornell University.