| Authors | Hans-Walter Heldt, Birgit Piechulla |
| In cooperation with | Fiona Heldt |
| Publisher | Academic Press |
| Year | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 622 |
| Size | 4.97 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
The fourth edition of Plant Biochemistry, authored by Hans-Walter Heldt and Birgit Piechulla, is a comprehensive and authoritative textbook that presents the latest scientific insights into the molecular mechanisms governing plant life[reference:0][reference:1]. Published by Academic Press in 2011, this fully revised and expanded edition builds upon the success of its predecessors, offering an up-to-date exploration of plant biology that is both broad in scope and deep in detail[reference:2][reference:3].
The book is meticulously organized to guide readers from the fundamental principles of plant biochemistry to its most advanced applications. It begins by establishing the cellular and subcellular architecture of plants, describing the different metabolic compartments within a leaf cell and their specialized functions[reference:4]. From this foundation, the text delves into the core of plant life: photosynthesis. The authors explain how plants harness energy from sunlight, detailing the electron transport processes, ATP generation, and the Calvin cycle that drive CO₂ assimilation[reference:5]. The book also covers photorespiration, a critical process that recycles phosphoglycolate formed by the oxygenase activity of RubisCO[reference:6].
Beyond photosynthesis, the textbook provides extensive coverage of plant metabolism. It examines how carbohydrates are synthesized, stored, and transported as polysaccharides, and how nitrate and sulfate are assimilated to build essential organic matter and sulfur-containing compounds[reference:7]. The role of mitochondria as the power stations of the cell is also explored in detail[reference:8]. The book then moves to the transport of photoassimilates via the phloem, the deposition of storage proteins, and the biosynthesis of glycerolipids and isoprenoids[reference:9].
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the ecological and commercial importance of plant biochemistry. It discusses the vast diversity of secondary metabolites that fulfill specific ecological functions, such as phenylpropanoids and isoprenoids, which serve as cell wall components and have multiple functions in plant metabolism[reference:10]. The text also addresses the role of multiple signals in regulating plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation[reference:11]. Crucially, the book covers the techniques and applications of genetic engineering, explaining how gene technology can be used to improve crop plants and provide sustainable raw materials for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries[reference:12].
Designed for faculty, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates in plant sciences, plant physiology, plant pathology, and plant cell biology, this book is also an invaluable resource for researchers in agribusiness and other biotechnology enterprises[reference:13]. Its clear, concise presentation, combined with more than 300 two-color diagrams and extensive references to recent scientific literature, makes it an essential text for anyone seeking a deep understanding of plant biochemistry[reference:14].
Key Features
- Comprehensive coverage of plant biochemistry, from cellular compartments to whole-plant metabolism[reference:15].
- Detailed exploration of photosynthesis, including electron transport, ATP generation, and the Calvin cycle[reference:16].
- In-depth treatment of primary and secondary metabolism, carbohydrate synthesis, and nitrogen and sulfur assimilation[reference:17].
- Examination of the role of phytohormones in plant growth, development, and stress responses[reference:18].
- Discussion of plant genetics and biotechnology, including genetic engineering techniques and applications[reference:19].
- Addresses commercial applications of plant biochemistry in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry[reference:20].
- Includes more than 300 two-color diagrams and metabolic schemes for enhanced understanding[reference:21].
- Provides extensive references to recent scientific literature for further research[reference:22].
- Written in a concise and understandable manner, suitable for advanced students and researchers[reference:23].
- Translation of the fourth German edition, ensuring accuracy and authority[reference:24][reference:25].
About Authors
Hans-Walter Heldt was a professor at the University of Göttingen in the Department of Biochemistry of the plant[reference:26]. He co-authored over 250 scientific publications and is a co-author of the textbook Plant Biochemistry[reference:27]. His research and teaching have significantly contributed to the field of plant biochemistry.
Birgit Piechulla is a professor at the University of Rostock, Germany. She has co-authored several editions of Plant Biochemistry and is an expert in the field of plant physiology and biochemistry.
Fiona Heldt collaborated with the authors in the preparation of this edition, contributing to the translation and adaptation of the text[reference:28].
Related Books
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants by Bob B. Buchanan, Wilhelm Gruissem, and Russell L. Jones
- Plant Physiology and Development by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger
- Plant Metabolism and Biotechnology by Hiroshi Ashihara, Alan Crozier, and Atsushi Komamine
- Photosynthesis: Molecular, Physiological and Environmental Processes by Robert E. Blankenship
- Plant Cell Biology: From Astronomy to Zoology by Randy Wayne
- Introduction to Plant Physiology by William G. Hopkins and Norman P. A. Hüner
- Secondary Metabolism in Plants by T. Swain
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I learn by reading this book?
A: You will gain a comprehensive understanding of plant biochemistry, including photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, phytohormones, plant genetics, biotechnology, and their commercial applications[reference:29].
Q: Is this book suitable for beginners?
A: While it is comprehensive, the book is designed for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers. It requires a foundational knowledge of biology and chemistry[reference:30].
Q: Is this book recommended for professionals?
A: Yes, it is an essential resource for researchers in agribusiness, biotechnology, plant physiology, and related fields[reference:31].
Q: What topics are covered in this book?
A: The book covers photosynthesis, energy metabolism, carbohydrate synthesis, photorespiration, nitrate and sulfate assimilation, lipid metabolism, secondary metabolites, phytohormones, and genetic engineering[reference:32][reference:33].
Q: Why is this book useful for students and researchers?
A: It offers a clear, concise presentation of complex topics, includes over 300 diagrams, and provides extensive references to recent literature, making it an excellent resource for learning and research[reference:34].
Q: Is this book a translation?
A: Yes, it is the English translation of the fourth German edition of Pflanzenbiochemie[reference:35][reference:36].
Q: What are the commercial applications discussed?
A: The book discusses the use of plants for industrial raw materials such as fats and starches, and the production of pharmaceuticals, as well as the potential of gene technology for sustainable production[reference:37].
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