Cells, tissues, and organs: the architecture of plants; The plant cell building blocks: lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates; Lipids are a class of molecules that includes fats, oils, sterols, and pigments; Proteins playa central role in the biochemistry of cells and are responsible for virtually all the properties of life as we know it; Carbohydrates are the most abundant class of biological molecules; Biological membranes; The membrane lipid forms a bilayer, a highly fluid but very stable structure; Membranes contain significantamounts of protein; Cellular organelles; Most mature plant cells contain a large, central vacuole; The nucleus is the information center of the cell; The endoplasmic reticulum and golgi apparatus are centers of membrane biosynthesis and secretory activities; The mitochondrion is the principal site of cellular respiration; Plastids are a family of organelles with a variety of functions; Microbodies are metabolically very active; Cytoskeleton the extracellular matrix; The primary cell wall is a flexible n etwork of cellulose microfibrils and cross-linking glycans; The cellulose-glycan lattice is embedded in a matrix of pectin and protein; Cellulose microfibrils are assembled at the plasma membrane as they are extruded into the cell wall; The secondary cell wall is deposited on the inside of the primary wall in maturing cells; Plasmadesmata are cytoplasmic channels extend through the wall to connect the protoplasts of adjacent cells; Tissues and organs; Tissues are groups of cells that form organized, functional unit; Meristems are regions of perpetually dividing cells; Parenchyma is the most abundant living tissue in plants; Supporting tissues are distributed throughout the primary and secondary plant bodies; Vascular tissues are the principal conducting tissues for water and nutrients ; Epidermis is a superficial tissue that f orms a continuous layer over the surface of the primary; Plant body; Plant organs; Roots anchor the plant and absorb water and minerais from the soil.

This book contains 12 chapters focusing on the basic tenets of postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables and how this influences their postharvest behaviour. Key information about their composition, biochemistry, respiration and physiology are presented. The importance of the management of temperature and humidity for maintaining fresh quality is discussed. The susceptibility of fresh produce to various pathogenic diseases and physiological disorders and their identification and control by environmentally friendly methods are pointed out and technologies that are adjuncts to temperature management, i.e. atmosphere control, controlled ripening, packaging and transport, are highlighted. The principles underlying the food safety based quality assurance systems that also meet environmental requirements are outlined. The influence of consumers on the marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables are also examined.

Textbook, concepts, experimental data.

Focusing exclusively on postharvest vegetable studies, this book covers advances in biochemistry, plant physiology, and molecular physiology to maximize vegetable quality. The book reviews the principles of harvest and storage; factors affecting postharvest physiology, calcium nutrition and irrigation control; product quality changes during handling and storage; technologies to improve quality; spoilage factors and biocontrol methods; and storage characteristics of produce by category. It covers changes in sensory quality such as color, texture, and flavor after harvest and how biotechnology is being used to improve postharvest quality.