The present book provides a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge on plastid biogenesis, plastid-nuclear communication, and the regulation of plastid gene expression at all levels. It also assesses the state-of-the-art in key technologies, such as proteomics and chloroplast transformation. Written by recognized experts in the field, the book further covers crucial post-translational processes in plastid biogenesis and function, including protein processing.

“Photosynthesis: Plastid Biology, Energy Conversion and Carbon Assimilation” was conceived as a comprehensive treatment touching on most of the processes important for photosynthesis. Most of the chapters provide a broad coverage that, it is hoped, will be accessible to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers looking to broaden their knowledge of photosynthesis. For biologists, biochemists, and biophysicists, this volume will provide quick background understanding for the breadth of issues in photosynthesis that are important in research and instructional settings. This volume will be of interest to advanced undergraduates in plant biology, and plant biochemistry and to graduate students and instructors wanting a single reference volume on the latest understanding of the critical components of photosynthesis.

Plastids are the sites of conversion of solar energy into the chemical energy usable to sustain life. They are also responsible for the production of the vast majority of the oxygen in the atmosphere. Through these activities they play a unique role in the biosphere, producing two critical products upon which life on Earth depends. It covers in 21 chapters nearly all actively investigated areas of plastid biology, from biosynthesis to function to their uses in biotechnology. The editors have compiled an extensive list of international experts from whom to solicit chapters. As is evident from the suggested Table of Contents, the book will start with a discussion of genetic material and its expression, followed by differentiation and development of different plastid types and internal organization. This is followed by an in depth look at biogenesis and assembly of plastid proteins and protein complexes and then by the important metabolic functions in plastids. The book will end with two chapters discussing the role of plastid biology in protein expression biotechnology and in hydrogen and biofuel production.

This volume provides a comprehensive look at the biology of plastids, the multifunctional biosynthetic factories that are unique to plants and algae. Fifty-six international experts have contributed 28 chapters that cover all aspects of this large and diverse family of plant and algal organelles. The book is divided into five sections: (I): Plastid Origin and Development; (II): The Plastid Genome and Its Interaction with the Nuclear Genome; (III): Photosynthetic Metabolism in Plastids; (IV): Non-Photosynthetic Metabolism in Plastids; (V): Plastid Differentiation and Response to Environmental Factors. Each chapter includes an integrated view of plant biology from the standpoint of the plastid. The book is intended for a wide audience, but is specifically designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and scientists in the fields of photosynthesis, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and plant biology.

Plastid Genome Evolution, Volume 85 provides a summary of recent research on plastid genome variation and evolution across photosynthetic organisms. It covers topics ranging from the causes and consequences of genomic changes, to the phylogenetic utility of plastomes for resolving relationships across the photosynthetic tree of life. This newly released volume presents thorough, up-to-date information on coevolution between the plastid and nuclear genomes, with chapters on plastid autonomy vs. nuclear control over plastid function, establishment and genetic integration of plastids, plastid genomes in alveolate protists, plastid genomes of glaucophytes, the evolution of the plastid genome in chlorophyte and streptophyte green algae, and more. - Provides comprehensive coverage of plastid genome variation by leading researchers in the field - Presents a broad range of taxonomic groups, ranging from single and multicellular algae, to the major clades of land plants - Includes thorough, up-to-date information on coevolution between the plastid and nuclear genomes

Provides advanced students with a basic knowledge of plastid biology and recent developments in the field.