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Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 1 brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology. Topics range from chemical evolution and biological self-replicating systems to quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems. An essay on Erwin Schrödinger (1887-1961) and his work on genetics and quantum mechanics, as well as its influence on molecular biology, is also included. Comprised of five chapters, this volume first discusses chemical evolution in terms of organic geochemistry and prebiotic chemistry. Dehydration condensation reactions as well as the generation of order and new information are also considered. The next chapter deals with biological self-replicating systems and focuses on such topics as the minimum system capable of self-replication; the minimum system capable of self-replication in terms of the generalizations of terrestrial biology; and which biological systems most nearly approach this limiting behavior. A series of definitions that provide a framework for examining minimal reproducing systems are also presented. The final three chapters explore the quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems; statistical thermodynamics of polymerization and polymorphism of proteins; and the importance of models in theoretical biology. This book is intended for both biological and physical scientists.

Understanding organogenesis is central to current efforts to direct stem cell differentiation and function in the context of a complex organ. Defects in organogenesis are often the major manifestations of human genetic disease syndromes. This volume describes the development of 10 major organ systems, reviewed by experts in each, to provide an up-to-date overview for researchers within and outside the field, students, teachers and clinicians. Summarizes the key morphological and cellular events Emphasizes up-to-date research relating to molecular control mechanisms Draws on a range of model vertebrates and contemporary experimental approaches, including lessons learnt from human developmental disease Distils common themes and differences for comparative studies Highlights key remaining questions and sets the agenda for future research

Weather and Life: An Introduction to Biometeorology provides information pertinent to the interactions between and among the various parts of an organism-environment system. This book discusses the ways of analyzing information to permit an understanding of the whole and to allow intelligent management of the system. Organized into four sections encompassing 17 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the fundamental environmental factors of radiation, moisture, wind, and temperature and heat. This text then analyzes the environmental factors with a philosophical excursion into matters of data collection and instrumentation. Other chapters consider some of the more widely accepted biological concepts. This book discusses as well the problems of urban climate and air pollution. The final chapter deals with the advances in biometeorology in terms of routine weather observations, of statistical methods, and of high-speed computers. This book is a valuable resource for biometeorologists, meteorologists, biologists, ecologists, scientists, and plant physiologists.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 5 covers the developments in theoretical biology. The book discusses the dynamic behaviors exhibited by cellular control circuits and the role of the cell as a morphogenetic and physiological unit; the stable dynamics of genetic networks; and the organization principles and models of the function of the simplest genetic systems controlling ontogenesis. The text also describes the conceptual framework shifts in immunogenetics: the anatomy of the Ag system; the basic problems of memory in behavioural and developmental biology; and the self-organization and performance of sensory-motor codes, maps, and plans. Physiologists, biophysicists, geneticists, mathematicians, and cytologists will find the book useful.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 6 covers the theoretical analysis of biological phenomena. The book discusses the potentials in chemical systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium, particularly the reduction of reaction-diffusion systems to catastrophe theory; and a form of logic suited for biology. The text describes the order-disorder transitions in polyelectrolytes and the chaos in systems in population biology. An artificial cognitive-plus-motivational system and pattern generation in networks are also encompassed. Biophysicists and physiologists will find the book invaluable.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 3 lays particular emphasis on ecology, the theory of learning systems, and the theory of the genetic code. The book discusses the ecosystem patterns in randomly fluctuating environments; the classical and instrumental learning by neural networks; and the genetic language. The text also describes psychophysical discrimination as well as the linear systems analysis of the calcium cycle in a forested watershed ecosystem. Biologists, ecologists, geneticists, zoologists, and cytologists will find the book invaluable.

Determinants of Spatial Organization documents the proceedings of the 35th symposium of the Society for Developmental Biology in 1978. The symposium brings together a diverse group of investigators who are engaged in the analysis of mechanisms involved in spatial organization. The contributions made by researchers at the symposium are organized into three parts. Part I on the cytoplasmic localization of determinants includes studies on fine structure of cytoplasmic specializations of the polar lobe of molluscan embryos; the fine structure of the polar granules of Drosophila eggs; and the polarity of rhizoid formation in Fucus. Part II deals with maternal-effect mutants of developmental processes. It includes studies on temperature sensitive maternal effect mutants in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; the nature of the control of gene action during development; and deviations from normal development observed in mutant embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. Part III examines pattern formation in developing systems. It includes studies on intracellular patterning in Tetrahymena; developmental properties of nerve-free hydra; and intercellular interactions and pattern formation in filamentous cyanobacteria.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 2, brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology in a critical and synthetic manner. It is concerned with a field which has emerged as an identifiable subdiscipline of the biological sciences. This emergence and recognition signify that biological science has evolved from its initial stage of description and classification into the adolescence of transformation to the quantitative. The book's opening chapter develops a theory that uses a new generalization of statistical mechanics to provide a basis for understanding how the microscopic behavior of nonliving parts can generate the macroscopic appearance of a living aggregate. The subsequent chapters discuss theoretical methods in systematic and evolutionary studies; the theory of neural masses; the design of chemical reaction systems; cooperative processes in biological systems; and the organization of motor systems. This book is intended for the modern biological scientist as well as for the physical scientist who is inquisitive of the ways of the most complex of all processes.

Methods in Plant Cell Biology provides in two volumes a comprehensive collection of analytical methods essential for researchers and students in the plant sciences. Individual chapters, written by experts in the field, provide an introductory overview, followed by a step-by-step technical description of the methods. This is accompanied by examples of typical results, illustrations, troubleshooting of potential pitfalls, sources of chemicals and equipment, and complete reference lists. Protocols are written to be easily comprehended by beginning research students, but these extensive volumes will also be a valuable addition to the libraries of expert researchers.Key Features• Written by experts, many of whom have developed the individual methods described• Contains most, if not all, the methods needed for modern research in plant cell biology• Up-to-date and comprehensive• Full references• Allows quick access to relevant journal articles and to the sources of chemicals required for the procedures• Selective concentration on higher plant methods allows for particular emphasis on those problems specific to plants

Methods in Plant Cell Biology provides in two volumes a comprehensive collection of analytical methods essential for researchers and students in the plant sciences. Individual chapters, written by experts in the field, provide an introductory overview, followed by a step-by-step technical description of the methods.Key Features• Written by experts, many of whom have developed the individual methods described• Contains most, if not all, the methods needed for modern research in plant cell biology• Up-to-date and comprehensive• Full references• Allows quick access to relevant journal articles and to the sources of chemicals required for the procedures• Selective concentration on higher plant methods allows for particular emphasis on those problems specific to plants

Isotope is Biology is a six-chapter supplementary text that covers the properties and application of isotopes as labels or analytical tools in biological research. The first chapters deal with the physico-chemical properties and radioactivity of isotopes. These chapters also explore their synthesis, preparation, radiation decomposition, and decay of radioactivity. The succeeding chapter considers other aspects of isotopes, including their effect of health, disposal, spills, and laboratory use. Another chapter examines the chemical and biochemical behavior, natural abundance, and the chemical stability of isotopic compounds. The final chapters describe several isotopic methods, namely, isotope dilution, paper chromatography, and autoradiography, with emphasis on their application in biological studies. This book will be of value to biologists, and graduate and undergraduate biology students.

Survey of Biological Progress, Volume II is an eight-chapter text that covers the advances in some biological subjects, including human genetics, plant morphogenesis, histochemistry, and plant reproduction. The opening chapter examines the kinetics of the effect of radiation on living systems. The succeeding chapters explore the developments in the field of human genetics and oceanography. These topics are followed by discussions on the regularity and the specific patterns exhibited in plant morphogenesis; the practical application of plant hormones in horticulture and agriculture; and the technical problems in histochemical studies. A chapter evaluates theoretical and experimental evidence on the fine structure of protoplasm. The final chapter looks into the environmental factors and physiological changes that can be associated with the production of sex structures of all kinds of plants. This book is of great value to biologists, geneticists, researchers, and biology teachers and students.

Survey of Biological Progress, Volume III explores the principles common to all biological areas that undergo major developments and modifications, including the embryo, botany, chromosome, insect behavior, hormones, and respiration. This volume is composed of six chapters, and begins with a presentation of the embryological concepts and the cellular components of the embryo. The next chapter deals with the trends in systematic botany of the vascular plants. Some of these trends apply equally well to nonvascular plants, as demonstrated by an upsurge of cytotaxonomic studies in the bryophytes, and the use of new techniques of importance to the systematist in such groups as the bacteria. These topics are followed by discussion on the cytologically detectable difference between the chromosome sets of related species, whether involving a difference in chromosome number or merely a change in the relative sequence of parts within a chromosome, as a cytotaxonomic difference. The remaining chapters describe the host-parasite interactions, the behavior of chemical trail-following and orientation to airborne odors of insects, the mechanism of action of hormones on cells, and the regulation of respiration rate. This book will be of value to undergraduate biology students.