Plant Molecular Biology

• 1 Organization of Nuclear DNA.- 1.1 The nucleus and chromatin organization.- 1.2 DNA replication.- 1.3 Nuclear DNA amounts and the C-value paradox.- 1.4 Organization of DNA sequences.- 1.5 Satellite DNAs.- 1.6 Nucleolar genes for rRNA.- 1.7 Function of repeated DNA sequences.- 1.8 Genes coding for proteins.- 1.9 Genome variation.- 1.10 Transposable elements.- 2 Structure and Expression of Nuclear Genes.- 2.1 RNA polymerases.- 2.2 Transcription and processing of rRNA and tRNA.- 2.3 Synthesis and properties of mRNA.- 2.4 Regulatory signals in plant genes.- 2.5 RNA splicing.- 2.6 Post-translational modifications and the direction of proteins to different cellular compartments.- 2.7 Gene expression and plant development.- 3 The Plastome and Chloroplast Biogenesis.- 3.1 Plastid interrelationships.- 3.2 Chloroplast organization and function.- 3.3 Chloroplast genetics and the extent of plastid autonomy.- 3.4 Structure and function of the plastome.- 3.5 Chloroplast ribosomes and protein synthesis.- 3.6 Transcription and processing of chloroplast RNA.- 3.7 Transit peptides and the genetic specification of protein transport into chloroplasts.- 4 Mitochondrial DNA Organization and Function.- 4.1 Evolution and function of mitochondria.- 4.2 Plant mitochondrial DNA.- 4.3 Mitochondria] protein synthesis in vitro.- 4.4 Senescence in Podospora anserina.- 4.5 Mitochondrial DNA and cytoplasmic male sterility.- 4.6 Import of proteins into mitochondria.- 4.7 Conclusions.- 5 Regulation of Differential Gene Expression During Plant Development.- 5.1 Differential regulation of gene expression.- 5.2 Seed development and germination.- 5.3 Effect of light on the synthesis of chloroplast proteins.- 5.4 Ethylene, senescence, and fruit ripening.- 5.5 Responses to stress.- 5.6 Conclusions.- 6 Gene Expression During Development of Nitrogen-Fixing Root Nodules.- 6.1 Rhizobium recognition of legume roots and elicitation of nodule development.- 6.2 Nitrogen fixation in root nodules.- 6.3 Genetic determinants of nodule formation.- 6.4 Functions of Rhizobium genes in nodule development.- 6.5 Plant nodulin genes.- 6.6 Time-course of nodule gene expression.- 6.7 Prospects.- 7 Genetic Transformation of Plants by Agrobacterium.- 7.1 Characteristics of tumour induction and growth.- 7.2 Tumour-inducing (Ti) plasmids.- 7.3 Genetic organization of the Ti plasmid.- 7.4 Activation of Ti plasmid genes controlling T-DNA mobilization.- 7.5 Functions encoded by integrated T-DNA.- 7.6 Agrobacterium rhizoyenes.- 7.7 Summary of the transformation process.- 7.8 Regeneration of Agrobacterium-transformed plants.- 7.9 Agrobacterium and Rhizobium.- 8 Plant Viruses.- 8.1 Biology of plant virus infections.- 8.2 Distribution of genome types among the plant viruses.- 8.3 Studying plant viruses.- 8.4 Expression strategies of RNA virus genomes.- 8.5 DNA viruses.- 8.6 Viroids and virusoids.- 8.7 Conclusions.- 9 Genetic Engineering of Plants.- 9.1 Plant breeding.- 9.2 Gene vectors.- 9.3 Agrobacterium Ti plasmid vectors.- 9.4 Plant virus vectors.- 9.5 Direct transformation.- 9.6 Chimaeric gene vectors.- 9.7 Genetically-engineered plants.- 9.8 Prospects.- References.

Reviews of the first edition: 'This tertiary level biology text is a commendable addition to the Blackie series. Grierson and Covey have presented what in many ways is a difficult subject, in a clear, concise and at times very readable fashion.' Annals of Botany '[Plant Molecular Biology] presents a coherent and interesting account of a rapidly developing subject. I can highly recommend it. Indeed, it should be mandatory reading for all undergraduates.' THES