This book describes the unique characean experimental system, which provides a simplified model for many aspects of the physiology, transport and electrophysiology of higher plants. The first chapter offers a thorough grounding in the morphology, taxonomy and ecology of Characeae plants. Research on characean detached cells in steady state is summarised in Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 covers characean detached cells subjected to calibrated and mostly abiotic types of stress: touch, wounding, voltage clamp to depolarised and hyperpolarised potential difference levels, osmotic and saline stress. Chapter 4 highlights cytoplasmic streaming, cell-to-cell transport, gravitropism, cell walls and the role of Characeae in phytoremediation. The book is intended for researchers and students using the characean system and will also serve as an invaluable reference resource for electrophysiologists working on higher plants.

This 1975 account gives a historical background to the giant cells of certain algae which are valuable for the investigation of physiological problems.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a world-wide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Impact factor for 2012: 4.973. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

Key features: Presents the latest trends and developments of neuromediators in plants Provides in-depth coverage of plants enriched in neurotransmitters (especially serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine) and how they are used in medicine, pharmacy, and food nutrition Discusses the physiological role of the neurotransmitters (biomediators) in non-nervous systems including the analysis of effects on the growth and development and stress defense Covers the occurrence of the substances that act in human and animal nervous system in plants as a phenomenon of the universal irritability feature for biologists Reveals the occurrence and possible physiological functions of biogenic amines in plants, food, and human health New scientific data confirm the origin of neurotransmitters in the ancient ocean, whose inhabitants use the compounds in their relationships. One example is the algae Ulvaria, whose image is represented on the cover. During evolution, plant and microbial cells stored the neurotransmitters that play multifunctional roles today. Researchers have paid special attention to their functions in plants, the oxygen well of our planet. This book provides powerful tools for both analyzing and manipulating organisms, considering the functions of neurotransmitters in plant cells and the practical application of knowledge about acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, histamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamine for ecology, agriculture, medicine and food industries. Neurotransmitters in Plants: Perspectives and Applications presents information on: the location and biosynthesis where neurotransmitters occur the molecular biology of some enzymes participating in the process their role in vivo and in vitro processes their functions in plant environmental adaptation in plants their role in enriching the food and medicinal value of plants.

This book compiles new findings in plant electrophysiology from the work of internationally renowned experts in the fields of electrophysiology, bio-electrochemistry, biophysics, signal transduction, phloem transport, tropisms, ion channels, plant electrochemistry, and membrane transport. Opening with a historical introduction, the book reviews methods in plant electrophysiology, introducing such topics as measuring membrane potentials and ion fluxes, path-clamp technique, and electrochemical sensors. The coverage includes experimental results and their theoretical interpretation.

In September, 1976, the International Federation for Cell Biology held its first congress in Boston. On this occasion Berlin was chosen as the site for the next congress. This meant an acknowledgement and at the same time a heavy burden for the still young European Cell Biology Organization, which repre sents a junction of European societies and groups for cell biology. In practical terms, this meant that the members of the young and, compared to the Ame rican Society for Cell Biology, small German Society for Cell Biology had to do a good deal of the organizing of the Cell Biology Congress. This is an op portunity for me, as Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and also on be half of the German Society for Cell Biology, to express my gratitude to all those who have actively participated in the preparations for this Cell Biology Congress. The success of the Congress in Berlin was to a significant extent due to their work. In particular, I would like to especially thank the Secretary General ofECBO Werner Franke, Heidelberg, as well as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Peter Giesbrecht, Berlin, for the excellent job they did. The Congress in Berlin proved to be significantly larger than that in Boston in 1976. The number of abstracts increased from 1200 to more than 1800. They have been published in the European Journal of Cell Biology. In a simi lar way the number of symposia and workshops expanded.

The charophytes are the group of green algae that are anestral and most closely related to land plants. Today, these organisms are not only important in evoutionary studies but have become outstanding model organisms for plant research.