Factors affecting the shape of plant cells have been studied since the last century and are increasingly described in molecular terms. At the cellular level it is now known that shape is controlled by interactions between the cytoskeleton and the cell wall. This book concentrates on the nature of this relationship and its place in the developmental program. Chapters are relatively short and summarize progress over the last decade brought about by advances in cellular and molecular techniques. The contents are organized from molecular, through cellular, to developmental aspects which are grouped according to major themes such as "Molecules of the Cytoskeleton", "Directional Cell Expansion" and "The Cytoskeleton in Development". Each section opens with an editorial overview. The comprehensive nature of the book helps make it an indispensable reference for researchers and advanced students in plant cell and molecular biology. Key Features * Updates Lloyd's previous book on plant cytoskeletons * Consists of short, up-to-date contributions, divided into sections which are linked by special pieces written by the editor * The sections cover: * Cytoskeleton molecules * The cell wall * Cell expansion * Cell division * The role of the cytoskeleton in plant development

Plant cell walls are complex, dynamic cellular structures essential for plant growth, development, physiology and adaptation. Plant Cell Walls provides an in depth and diverse view of the microanatomy, biosynthesis and molecular physiology of these cellular structures, both in the life of the plant and in their use for bioproducts and biofuels. Plant Cell Walls is a textbook for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, as well as a professional-level reference book. Over 400 drawings, micrographs, and photographs provide visual insight into the latest research, as well as the uses of plant cell walls in everyday life, and their applications in biotechnology. Illustrated panels concisely review research methods and tools; a list of key terms is given at the end of each chapter; and extensive references organized by concept headings provide readers with guidance for entry into plant cell wall literature. Cell wall material is of considerable importance to the biofuel, food, timber, and pulp and paper industries as well as being a major focus of research in plant growth and sustainability that are of central interest in present day agriculture and biotechnology. The production and use of plants for biofuel and bioproducts in a time of need for responsible global carbon use requires a deep understanding of the fundamental biology of plants and their cell walls. Such an understanding will lead to improved plant processes and materials, and help provide a sustainable resource for meeting the future bioenergy and bioproduct needs of humankind.

Plant cells house highly dynamic cytoskeletal networks of microtubules and actin microfilaments. They constantly undergo remodeling to fulfill their roles in supporting cell division, enlargement, and differentiation. Following early studies on structural aspects of the networks, recent breakthroughs have connected them with more and more intracellular events essential for plant growth and development. Advanced technologies in cell biology (live-cell imaging in particular), molecular genetics, genomics, and proteomics have revolutionized this field of study. Stories summarized in this book may inspire enthusiastic scientists to pursue new directions toward understanding functions of the plant cytoskeleton. The Plant Cytoskeleton is divided into three sections: 1) Molecular Basis of the Plant Cytoskeleton; 2) Cytoskeletal Reorganization in Plant Cell Division; and 3) The Cytoskeleton in Plant Growth and Development. This book is aimed at serving as a resource for anyone who wishes to learn about the plant cytoskeleton beyond ordinary textbooks.

Plant Science, like the biological sciences in general, has undergone seismic shifts in the last thirty or so years. Of course science is always changing and metamorphosing, but these shifts have meant that modern plant science has moved away from its previous more agricultural and botanical context, to become a core biological discipline in its own right. However the sheer amount of information that is accumulating about plant science, and the difficulty of grasping it all, understanding it and evaluating it intelligently, has never been harder for the new generation of plant scientists or, for that matter, established scientists. And that is precisely why this Handbook of Plant Science has been put together. Discover modern, molecular plant sciences as they link traditional disciplines! Derived from the acclaimed Encyclopedia of Life Sciences! Thorough reference of up-to-the minute, reliable, self-contained, peer-reviewed articles – cross-referenced throughout! Contains 255 articles and 48 full-colour pages, written by top scientists in each field! The Handbook of Plant Science is an authoritative source of up-to-date, practical information for all teachers, students and researchers working in the field of plant science, botany, plant biotechnology, agriculture and horticulture.

Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 10 The cytoskeleton is a dynamic filamentous structure composed of at least actin and microtubule networks. Actin and microtubules are no different structurally from their animal and fungal counterparts. However, the strategies of cell differentiation and development in plants require this network to respond appropriately to plant-specific developmental cues and to environmental factors. This book views the cytoskeleton from different perspectives but, on the whole, as a network composed of structural and regulatory proteins controlled by internal and external stimuli that result in different aspects of cell differentiation. This is a volume for researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.

Table of Contents List of contributors Preface Pt. 1 The cytoskeleton: the machinery and key molecules 1 1 Microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins 3 2 Actin and actin-modulating proteins 32 Pt. 2 Fundamental cytoskeletal activities 81 3 Expanding beyond the great divide: the cytoskeleton and axial growth 83 4 Re-staging plant mitosis 116 5 Organelle movements: transport and positioning 148 6 The cell wall: a sensory panel for signal transduction 176 Pt. 3 The cytoskeleton and plant cell morphogenesis 205 7 Development of root hairs 207 8 Signaling the cytoskeleton in pollen tube germination and growth 240 9 Cytoskeletal requirements during Arabidopsis trichome development 265 10 Signaling and the cytoskeleton in guard cells 290 Index 318.