Mechanisms in Plant Development

Ottoline Leyser is a reader in plant developmental genetics at the University of York.Stephen Day is a science writer, also in York.

• Preface, viiiIntroduction, IXSources for Figures, xiChapter 1: An introduction to flowering plants, 1Alternation of generations, 1Gametophyte development, 1Development of the sporophyte, 3Further reading, 18Chapter 2: Characteristics of plant development, 19Plant cells, 19Larger patterns, 24Theoretical framework for the study of developmental mechanisms, 26Conclusions, 27Further reading, 27Chapter 3: Cell-intrinsic information, 29Lineage, 29Case study 3.1: Laser ablation of cells in the Arabidopsis root tip, 34Case study 3.2: Green–white–green periclinal chimeras, 36Case study 3.3: Mutations affecting division patterns, 39Relationship between age and position, 43Case study 3.4: Mutations affecting the rate of leaf initiation in Arabidopsis, 44Conclusions, 46Further reading, 46Chapter 4: Primary axis development, 48Embryonic axes, 48Case study 4.1: Longitudinal axis of the Fucus embryo, 49Case study 4.2: Longitudinal axis of the Arabidopsis embryo, 54Case study 4.3: Radial axis of the Arabidopsis embryo, 64Conclusions, 71Further reading, 71Chapter 5: Axis development in the leaf and flower, 74Leaves, 74Case study 5.1: Adaxial–abaxial axis of the leaf, 75Case study 5.2: Proximodistal axis of the leaf, 84Case study 5.3: Determinate nature of leaf development, 87Flowers, 91Case study 5.4: Radial axis of the flower, 92Case study 5.5: Adaxial–abaxial axis of the Antirrhinum flower, 100Conclusions, 104Further reading, 105Chapter 6: Position relative to a particular cell, tissue or organ, 110Case study 6.1: The pattern of trichomes on the Arabidopsis leaf, 111Case study 6.2: The pattern of root hairs in Arabidopsis, 116Case study 6.3: Phyllotaxy, 123Case study 6.4: Coordination of leaf and vascular development, 131Conclusions, 134Further reading, 134Chapter 7: Light, 138Light perception, 138Developmental responses to light, 143Case study 7.1: Light-induced germination, 143Case study 7.2: Seedling etiolation and photomorphogenesis, 146Case study 7.3: Shade escape, 151Case study 7.4: Phototropism, 154Case study 7.5: Photoperiodic control of flowering, 156Conclusions, 161Further reading, 161Chapter 8: Environmental information other than light, 165Case study 8.1: Gravitropism, 165Case study 8.2: Thigmomorphogenesis, 172Case study 8.3: Effects of uneven nutrient supply on root development, 177Case study 8.4: Vernalization, 180Conclusions, 186Further reading, 186Chapter 9: The coordination of development, 190Case study 9.1: Initiation and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem, 191Case study 9.2: Transition from embryonic to post-embryonic development, 200Case study 9.3: Phase transitions in post-germination development, 203Case study 9.4: Shoot branching, 213Conclusions, 219Further reading, 220Chapter 10: A comparison of plant and animal development, 224Control of cell fate, 225Development of pattern, 226Consequences of autotrophy versus heterotrophy, 229Conclusions, 230Further reading, 230Index, 233

'In this new book, Leyser and Day provide a comprehensive overview of plant developmental biology that presents a diversity of developmental strategies whilst carefully distilling the basic principles and mechanisms involved. Its strengths are its breadth, clarity and up to date discussion of developmental studies and concepts. ...Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling plant development has exploded in the last decade, and this book provides an outstanding and much needed review and synthesis. Whilst primarily directed at higher-level undergraduates, it should be accessible and informative to scientists at all levels. Though the field of plant development is rapidly advancing, this book's strength in highlighting fundamental developmental concepts and principles make it a must have for any student of developmental biology.' David Jackson, Cold Spring Harbor, BSDB Newsletter "....worth a library or scientist's investment. It is easy to read, thorough and offers additional points of access to the scientific literature that a student will find useful. It would serve as an excellent supplementary text for a library collection, or as a refresher text for a graduate student in botany." E-Streams, Vol 6, No 1, January 2003 "In each instance the authors employ a number of specific 'case studies' that trace resesarch in the area from the basic anatomy and physiology to more recent molecular investigations. ...The text is clearly written and well referenced. It should be useful to students who are getting started in this dynamic field." Choice, Vol 40, No 8, April 2003 "... a very timely and authoritative documentation of modern plant developmental biology and highly recommend it for advanced graduate and postgraduate students and also scientists interested in this topic." Martin Huelskamp, Universitat Koln, BioEssays, April 2004 "This is a 'must-have' volume for any scientist with even a peripheral interest in plant development. Leyser and Day have provided a welcome addition for anyone looking for an up-to-date book for an upper-level undergraduate or graduate course in plant development." Clive Edwards, Ohio State University for the Quaterly Review of Biology, March-May 2003