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ROOT PHYSIOLOGY(FROM GENE TO FUNCTION)
Book cover:
by Hans Lambers (Editor),
Timothy D. Colmer (Editor)
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (December 16, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402040989
In the last decade, enormous progress has been made on the physiology of plant roots, including
on a wide range of molecular aspects. Much of that progress has been captured in the chapters of
this book. Breakthroughs have been made possible through integration of molecular and whole-plant
aspects. The classical boundaries between physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology have
vanished. There has been a strong focus on a limited number of model species, including Arabidopsis
thaliana. That focus has allowed greater insight into the significance of specific genes for plant
development and functioning. However, many species are very different from A. thaliana, in that
they are mycorrhizal, develop a symbiosis with N2-fixing microsymbionts, or have other specialised
root structures. Also, some have a much greater capacity to resist extreme environments, such as
soil acidity, salinity, flooding or heavy-metal toxicities, due to specific adaptations. Research
on species other than A. thaliana is therefore pivotal, to develop new knowledge in plant sciences
in a comprehensive manner. This fundamental new knowledge can be the basis for important applications
in, e.g., agriculture and plant conservation. Although significant progress has been made, much
remains to be learnt. It is envisaged that discoveries made in the recent past will likely lead to
major breakthroughs in the next decade.
Book cover:
by Hans Lambers (Editor),
Timothy D. Colmer (Editor)
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (December 16, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402040989
In the last decade, enormous progress has been made on the physiology of plant roots, including
on a wide range of molecular aspects. Much of that progress has been captured in the chapters of
this book. Breakthroughs have been made possible through integration of molecular and whole-plant
aspects. The classical boundaries between physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology have
vanished. There has been a strong focus on a limited number of model species, including Arabidopsis
thaliana. That focus has allowed greater insight into the significance of specific genes for plant
development and functioning. However, many species are very different from A. thaliana, in that
they are mycorrhizal, develop a symbiosis with N2-fixing microsymbionts, or have other specialised
root structures. Also, some have a much greater capacity to resist extreme environments, such as
soil acidity, salinity, flooding or heavy-metal toxicities, due to specific adaptations. Research
on species other than A. thaliana is therefore pivotal, to develop new knowledge in plant sciences
in a comprehensive manner. This fundamental new knowledge can be the basis for important applications
in, e.g., agriculture and plant conservation. Although significant progress has been made, much
remains to be learnt. It is envisaged that discoveries made in the recent past will likely lead to
major breakthroughs in the next decade.