Plant Biochemistry, 3rd Edition

Hardback  656pp  ISBN 0120883910      £39.99

Please note: This title is due for publication on 24 September 2004

• Illustrated with two-color diagrams and well designed metabolic schemes
• Plant metabolism presented in the context of the structure and function of the plant
• Many examples of commercial applications for the protection and quality improvement of harvest crops, plant breeding, and the production of raw materials for industrial use
• Coverage of the latest research findings

Reviews

"Plant Biochemistry will be an invaluable resource for students, teachers and researchers looking for a clear, up to date presentation which covers the essentials without being overwhelmed by details. There are simple, easy to grasp illustrations throughout.... I would highly recommend this book as a text in plant biochemistry, physiology and biotechnology courses. The book highlights examples on how an understanding of plant biochemistry is fundamental towards the applications of biotechnology, which are bringing about a revolution in agriculture."

Gerald Edwards, Washington State University

"The book Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Professor Hans Heldt is an outstanding text. The material is elegantly presented, with attention to molecular structures, intracellular compartmentation, and regulatory mechanisms controlling metabolism. Difficult topics are presented with incredible clarity and with a style that reflects many decades of cutting-edge research and effective teaching by the author. I highly recommend this book for both students and researchers in the field of plant biochemistry."

Steve Huber, University of Illinois

"The third edition of Plant Biochemistry by Hans-Walter Heldt updates my favorite text on this topic. My students prefered the first edition of this book to more encyclopedic treatments by a wide margin. The book covers aspects of biochemistry that are essential to a broad understanding of plant function. The book is focused on clear explanations of the essential concepts rather than an encyclopedic approach. Simple diagrams make even complex topics clear. The typeface and layout of the new edition is improved, with important words in bold, making important topics stand out for easy comprehension. This book is invaluable as a text for any plant biochemistry course."

Thomas Sharkey, University of Wisconsin

This fully revised translation of the world-renowned German edition covers the complete and modern knowledge of plant biochemistry. The book presents the topic in a concise and simplified manner so that students can digest the message and gain a basic knowledge of the entire field of plant biochemistry, from photosynthesis (the synthesis of natural plant products) to all kinds of genetic engineering with its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function, lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, nitrogen fixation, phloem transport, synthesis and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, plant growth regulation and development. Heldt provides a comprehensive description of photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, the function of phytohormones and molecular engineering. The text covers research findings until the end of 2003 and identifies areas of future research. There are extensive references to the most recent scientific literature.

Contents

1. A leaf cell consists of several metabolic compartments
2. The use of energy from sunlight by photosynthesis is the basis of life on earth
3. Photosynthesis is an electron transport process
4. ATP is generated by photosynthesis
5. Mitochondria are the power station of the cell
6. The Calvin cycle catalyzes photosynthetic CO2 assimilation
7. In the photorespiratory pathway phosphoglycolate formed by the oxygenase activity of RubisCo is recycled
9. Polysaccharides are storage and transport forms of carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis
10. Nitrate assimilation is essential for the synthesis of organic matter
11. N2 fixation enables the nitrogen in the air to be used for plant growth
12. Sulfate assimilation enables the synthesis of sulfur containing substances
14. Products of nitrate assimilation are deposited in plants as storage proteins
15. Glycerolipids are membrane constituents and function as carbon stores
16. Secondary metabolites fulfil in plants specific ecological functions
18. Phenylpropanoids comprise a multitude of plant secondary metabolites and cell wall components
19. Multiple signals regulate the growth and development of plant organs and enable their adaptation to environmental conditions.
20. A plant cell has three different genomes
21 Protein biosynthesis occurs at different sites of a cell
22. Gene technology makes it possible to alter plants to meet requirements of agriculture, nutrition and industry