The plant seed is the source of most human nutrition, and closely related to the development of human civilization. This book represents a comprehensive overview of the growth and development of the seed, and the major storage reserves of the seed: protein, starch, oil. The contributing authors comprise a select group of world experts on these topics who present up-to-date overviews of the molecular genetic mechanisms controlling development of the embryo, suspensor, cotyledons and the endosperm, and embryo maturation and seed desiccation. The special features of distinct types of storage proteins, oils and starches are described, as well as mutations that affect their quantity and quality. Biotechnological manipulation of seed storage materials is discussed. The book is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, and should provide a useful text for courses in plant development and molecular biology.
Section A Control of Seed Development: Embryogenesis in Dicotyledonous Plants, R. Yadegari, R. Goldberg; Development of the Suspensor - Differentiation, Communication, and Programmed Cell Death During Plant Embryogenesis, B.W. Schwartz, et al; Endosperm Structure and Development, D.A. DeMason; Hormonal Regulation of Seed Development, R. Morris. Section B The Synthesis and Accumulation of Stored Metabolites: The Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Embryo Storage Proteins, N.C. Nielsen, et al; The Prolamin Storage Proteins of Wheat and Its Relatives, G. Galili; The Prolamin Proteins of Maize, Sorghum and Coix, C.E. Coleman, et al; The Storage Proteins of Rice and Oat, D.G. Muench, T.W. Okita; The Protease Inhibitors of Seeds, K.A. Wilson; Starch Synthesis in the Maize Seed, L.C. Hannah; Synthesis and Storage of Fatty Acids, J. Browse; Accumulation and Storage of Phosphate and Minerals, V. Raboy. Genetic Regulation of Carbohydrate and Protein Accumulation in Seeds, M. Motto, et al. Section C Control of Seed maturation and Germination: Lea Proteins and the Desiccation Tolerance of Seeds, L. Dure; Seed Maturation and Control of Dormancy, J. Harada; Section D Manipulation of Seeds Through Biotechnology: Biotechnological Approaches to Altering Seed Composition, E. Krebbers, et al.
'The book represents the most comprehensive current review of the field of plant seed development. It is clearly written and well edited. Over 90 illustrations help to understand relationship of different regulatory processes and mechanisms. It can be recommended to advanced students as well as to researchers of physiology, genetics and molecular biology of seed as well as whole plant development. It is also valuable source of information for plant breeders and biotechnologists.' Biologia Plantarum, 43:4,(2000)