The Study Of Bryophytes Is No Longer Confined To Their Morphology, Anatomy, Life-History, And Phylogenetic Considerations. In Recent Years There Has Been An Increasing Emphasis On Investigations Concerning The Ultrastructure, Reproductive Biology, Ecology, Morphogenesis, Physiology, Biochemistry And Related Aspects Of Bryophytes. These Themes Have Also Rightfully Found Their Place In The Syllabi At All Levels In Most Universities All Over The Globe. However, The Writing Of Texts In This Area Has Lagged Behind. Since The Literature Is Scattered And At Times Not Easy To Reach, There Is An Urgent Need For A Book Which Deals With The Modern Topics Of Bryology. This Volume Is Intended To Fill This Gap. The Authors Have Tried To Make The Compilation Of The Literature As Up-To-Date As Possible, And The References Cited In The Text Have Been Listed At The End Of Each Chapter For Those Interested In More Details. Most Of The Illustrations Have Been Taken From Recent Research Publications And These Have Not Previously Been Included In Any Book As Far As We Aware. Summary Charts And Tables Are Provided At All Appropriate Places.

Published in 1990: With the accumulation of knowledge in the newer areas of investigations and the increasing degree of specialization, the most satisfactory way of bringing together authentic information in one volume is to invite the specialists in each area to contribute.

A comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the morphology, systematics, ecology, and evolution of this fascinating group of plants.

Bryophytes, which are important constituents of ecosystems globally and often dominate carbon and water dynamics at high latitudes and elevations, were also among the pioneers of terrestrial photosynthesis. Consequently, in addition to their present day ecological value, modern representatives of these groups contain the legacy of adaptations that led to the greening of Earth. This volume brings together experts on bryophyte photosynthesis whose research spans the genome and cell through whole plant and ecosystem function and combines that with historical perspectives on the role of algal, bryophyte and vascular plant ancestors on terrestrialization of the Earth. The eighteen well-illustrated chapters reveal unique physiological approaches to achieving carbon balance and dealing with environmental limitations and stresses that present an alternative, yet successful strategy for land plants.

Bryophytes were a pivotal step in land plant evolution, and their significance in the regulation of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity is becoming increasingly acknowledged. This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of bryophyte biology, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as amateur botanists. The authors expertly summarise the diversity of bryophytes and outline recent advances in our understanding of their evolutionary history, their ecological roles and preferences, their distribution patterns and conservation needs. The text is highly illustrated throughout, with boxed summaries of topics of current relevance in bryophyte biology, and a glossary of technical terms.

The gb-glucuronidase (GUS) gene is extremely useful as a reporter of the expression of introduced genes and can be used in organisms where other reporter genes are useless. Thus, the GUS gene is the reporter gene of choice for transgenic plant research. Not only can this assay be used to detect whether a gene is being expressed, but it can be used to determine the location of the gene product within cells. Low cost is another advantage of this assay. GUS Protocols provides instructions and essential background information that will enable researchers to effectively use the GUS gene as a reporter of the expression of introduced genes. - First book on the GUS reporter system - Up-to-date reference lists following each of the fourteen chapters - Comb-bound for convenient bench-top use - Written by leading authorities including R.A. Jefferson, inventor of the GUS assay - Illustrated with color - GUS detection by fluorometric, spectrophotometric, and histochemical methods - Fast, automated assays

Bryophytes are of great importance in their ecosystems and for human well-being. They stabilize soil crust through colonization of bare grounds and rocks; they are essential in nutrient recycling, biomass production, and carbon fixing; they control water through an effective retention mechanism; and they have economic value as peat for fuel, horticulture, oil absorption, and as sources of a wide variety of chemical compounds. Bryophytes have long been used for medicinal purposes and provide a food source for reindeer, geese, ducks, sheep, musk-ox, lemmings, and other rodents. Threats include deforestation, cultivation of forests, reclamation of land, urbanization, roads, dam-building, mining, drainage of wetlands and over-grazing. This plan reviews the situation worldwide and proposes a variety of initiatives. It is aimed at those who work with and care about nature conservation, including governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as politicians and the general interested public.