Root Physiology: from Gene to Function

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Synopsis

In the last decade, enormous progress has been made on the physiology of plant roots, including on a wide range of molecular aspects. Much of that progress has been captured in the chapters of this book. Breakthroughs have been made possible through integration of molecular and whole-plant aspects. The classical boundaries between physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology have vanished. There has been a strong focus on a limited number of model species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. That focus has allowed greater insight into the significance of specific genes for plant development and functioning. However, many species are very different from A. thaliana, in that they are mycorrhizal, develop a symbiosis with N2-fixing microsymbionts, or have other specialised root structures. Also, some have a much greater capacity to resist extreme environments, such as soil acidity, salinity, flooding or heavy-metal toxicities, due to specific adaptations. Research on species other than A. thaliana is therefore pivotal, to develop new knowledge in plant sciences in a comprehensive manner. This fundamental new knowledge can be the basis for important applications in, e.g., agriculture and plant conservation. Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be learnt. It is envisaged that discoveries made in the recent past will likely lead to major breakthroughs in the next decade.

Book details

Edition:
2005
Series:
Plant Ecophysiology (Book 4)
Author:
Hans Lambers, Timothy D. Colmer
ISBN:
9781402040993
Related ISBNs:
9781402040986
Publisher:
Springer Netherlands
Pages:
N/A
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
No
Date of addition:
2020-12-16
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2005
Copyright by:
N/A 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Earth Sciences, Nonfiction, Outdoors and Nature, Science, Technology