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Microbial Genetics focuses on the current state of knowledge on the genetics of bacteria, bacteriophages, and recombinant DNA technology and its applications in a way understandable to the students, teachers, and scientists. The book expounds on the specialized aspects of microbial genetics and technologies, keeping in mind the syllabi of different Indian universities at the post-graduate level. Latest information on microbial genetics has been outlined in the book in a lucid manner.

The term cytoskeleton has become firmly established in today's scientific vocabulary. Indeed, it is difficult to believe that only ten years ago, it was virtually non-existent. Since then, the modern field of research on the structural organization of the cytoplasm has turned into one of the most productive and rapidly expanding research areas in Cell Biology today. Considerable progress has been made towards the identification of the various structural components of the cytoskeleton and their interactions with one another and with membranes. The first attempts to understand, in molecular terms, complex cellular processes such as shape changes, locomotion, division, and organelle movements have been made. And it is now apparent that the cytoskeleton has impact on other biological processes such as the control of gene expression, protein synthesis, cell cycle regulation, and development. This monograph outlines the basic properties of the major components of the polymeric filament networks and their interactions and associations. Wherever possible, emphasis is placed on more recent references. Any attempt to cover a research field this complex in an introductory mono­ graph is, by necessity, fragmentary, and oversights or omissions are inevitable. I wish to apologize in advance to all those colleagues who feel that their work is not adequately represented.

Witchweeds (Striga species) decimate agriculture in much of Africa and parts of Asia, attacking the major cereal grains and legumes, and halving the already very low yields of subsistence farmers. Several years of research have provided promising technologies, based on the fundamental biology of the parasite-host associations, for dealing with this scourge. However, there is an apparent realization that these technologies will fail because highly successful weeds such as Striga evolve resistance to all types of controls unless proven methods are integrated with each other for a more sustainable solution.Integration is often an anathema to basic scientists who typically deal with single variables and solutions. However, key leaders in the development of the new knowledge-based control strategies, already in the field and under development, recently joined forces to develop strategies and projects in order to integrate the technologies in a symposium in Ethiopia in November 2006. The encouraging results are described in this peer-reviewed book, authored by leaders in the field who have been supplying the basic biology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular information that have offered insights and generated technologies in how to deal with Striga.

Sustainability has a major part to play in the global challenge of continued development of regions, countries, and continents all around the World and biological nitrogen fixation has a key role in this process. This volume begins with chapters specifically addressing crops of major global importance, such as soybeans, rice, and sugar cane. It continues with a second important focus, agroforestry, and describes the use and promise of both legume trees with their rhizobial symbionts and other nitrogen-fixing trees with their actinorhizal colonization. An over-arching theme of all chapters is the interaction of the plants and trees with microbes and this theme allows other aspects of soil microbiology, such as interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the impact of soil-stress factors on biological nitrogen fixation, to be addressed. Furthermore, a link to basic science occurs through the inclusion of chapters describing the biogeochemically important nitrogen cycle and its key relationships among nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. The volume then provides an up-to-date view of the production of microbial inocula, especially those for legume crops.

Plant research has stood at the forefront of the genomics revolution. One of the first genome projects, the sequencing of the commonly used model organism Arabidopsis, has already yielded important results for the study of a broad array of crops such as corn and soybeans. With crop and food bioengineering only in its infancy, the need to understand the fundamental genetic mechanisms of plants will only become more pressing. A comprehensive guide to this fascinating area of genomics, Plant Genomics and Proteomics presents an integrated, broadly accessible treatment of the complex relationship between the genome, transcriptome, and proteome of plants. This clearly written text introduces the reader to the range of molecular techniques applicable to investigating the unique facets of plant growth, development, and response to the environment. Coverage includes: Functional and structural genomics addressed within the context of current techniques and challenges to come How to utilize DNA and protein sequence data Practical considerations for choosing and employing the most commonly available computer applications A review of applications for biotechnology, including genetic modification and defense against pathogens Bioinformatics tools and Web resources Numerous examples from the latest research throughout Assuming no specialized knowledge of plant biology on the part of its reader, Plant Genomics and Proteomics provides an invaluable resource for students and researchers in biotechnology, plant biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology-both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. - Autoregulation of Angiogenesis by Cells of the Vessel Wall - Fibroblast Growth Factors as Malfunctional Signaling Factors - Structural and Functional Characteristics of the Centrosome in Gametogenesis and Early Embryogenesis of Animals - Cell and Molecular Biology of the Pars Tuberalis of the Pituitary - Polariation of the Na+, K+-ATPase in Epithelia Derived from Neuroepithelium - Desmosomes: Intercellular Adhesive Junctions Specialized for Attachment of Intermediate Filaments

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology-both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. - The Division Apparatus of Plastids and Mitochondria - Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Gylcosylation - Microtubule-Organizing Centers and Nucleating Sites in Land Plants - The Wilms'Tumor 1 Gene: Oncogene or Tumor Supressor Gene? - Exocytosis in Chromaffin Cells of the Adrenal Medulla

The Biochemistry of Plants, Volume 12: Physiology of Metabolism focuses on plant biochemistry, with emphasis on the metabolism of plants. This book discusses the organizational resistance to account for changes in the rate of respiration that both cells and organs undertake. Organized into two parts encompassing eight chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the microtubule structure and function in plant cell biology. This book then discusses the presence of microtubular structures in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Other chapters consider the characteristics of plant cells, which possess the highest degree of subcellular compartmentation of metabolism. This text discusses as well the various transport reactions that are involved in primary metabolic pathways in plants. The final chapter explores the several changes that fruits undergo to reach maturity, including the development of color and aroma, as well as improvements in texture and flavor. This book is a valuable resource for biologists, plant scientists, and agriculturists.