
Plant Biochemistry
- 5th Edition - January 20, 2021
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Authors: Hans-Walter Heldt, Birgit Piechulla
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 8 6 3 1 - 2
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 2 7 1 3 - 8
Plant Biochemistry, Fifth Edition, enables students to gain basic knowledge of the entire field, from photosynthesis to genetic engineering and its many commercial applic… Read more

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Request a sales quotePlant Biochemistry, Fifth Edition, enables students to gain basic knowledge of the entire field, from photosynthesis to genetic engineering and its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, and plant growth regulation and development. The text covers recent research findings and identifies areas of future research. This book is suitable for graduate students and advanced undergraduates in plant physiology, plant pathology, plant cell biology, and other plant sciences, researchers in industries actively involved in agribusiness, other biotechnology enterprises, and researchers in agronomy, agriculture, plant development and related areas.
- Offers the latest research findings in a concise and understandable manner
- Presents plant metabolism in the context of the structure and function of plants
- Includes more than 300 two-color diagrams and metabolic schemes
Graduate students, advanced undergraduates and faculty interested in plant sciences, especially plant physiology, plant pathology, and plant cell biology. Researchers in industries actively involved in agrobusiness and other biotechnology enterprises. Agronomists and researchers in crop science, agriculture, plant development, and related areas
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Preface
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. Leaf Cells Consist of Several Metabolic Compartments
- Abstract
- 1.1 The Cell Wall Gives the Plant Cell Mechanical Stability
- 1.2 Vacuoles Have Multiple Functions
- 1.3 Plastids Have Evolved From Cyanobacteria
- 1.4 Mitochondria Originate From Endosymbionts
- 1.5 Peroxisomes Perform Fatty Acid Oxidation, Respiration, and Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism
- 1.6 The Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus Form a Network for the Distribution of Biosynthesis Products
- 1.7 Various Transport Processes Facilitate the Exchange of Metabolites Between Different Compartments
- Chapter 2. Solar Power and Photosynthesis Are the Basis of Life on Earth
- Abstract
- 2.1 The Origin of Photosynthesis
- 2.2 Pigments Capture Energy From Sunlight
- 2.3 Chlorophyll is the main photosynthetic pigment
- 2.4 Antennas Are Required to Capture Light
- Chapter 3. Photosynthesis Is an Electron Transport Process
- Abstract
- 3.1 The Photosynthetic Machinery Is Constructed From Complex Modules
- 3.2 A Reductant and an Oxidant Are Formed During Photosynthesis
- 3.3 Elucidation of the 3D Structure of a Photosynthetic Reaction Center of Purple Bacteria Was Resolved by X-Ray Crystallography
- 3.4 Two Photosynthetic Reaction Centers Are Arranged in Tandem in Photosynthesis of Plants
- 3.5 Water Is Oxidized by Photosystem II
- 3.6 Herbicides used in mechanized agriculture target photosystems
- 3.7 The Cytochrome b6/f Complex Mediates Electron Transport Between Photosystem II and Photosystem I
- 3.8 The Product of Photosystem I Is Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH)
- 3.9 Regulatory Processes Control the Distribution of the Captured Photons Between the Two Photosystems
- Chapter 4. Adenosine Triphosphate Is Generated by Photosynthesis
- Abstract
- 4.1 A Proton Gradient Serves as an Energy-Rich Intermediate State During Adenosine Triphosphate Biosynthesis
- 4.2 The Electron Chemical Proton Gradient Can Be Dissipated by Uncouplers to Heat
- 4.3 H+-ATP Biosynthases From Bacteria, Chloroplasts, and Mitochondria Have a Common Basic Structure
- 4.4 The Biosynthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate Depends on Conformation Change of the Protein
- Chapter 5. Mitochondria Are the Power Station of the Cell
- Abstract
- 5.1 Biological Oxidation Is Preceded by Degradation of Substrates to Form Bound Hydrogen and CO2
- 5.2 Mitochondria Are the Sites of Cell Respiration
- 5.3 Biological Oxidation Takes Place in the Matrix
- 5.4 How Much Energy Can Be Gained by the Oxidation of NADH?
- 5.5 The Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Shares Common Features With the Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain
- 5.6 Plant Mitochondria Fulfill Special Metabolic Functions
- 5.7 Compartmentation of Mitochondrial Metabolism Requires Specific Membrane Translocators
- Chapter 6. The Calvin–Benson–Bassham Cycle Catalyzes Photosynthetic CO2 Assimilation
- Abstract
- 6.1 Carboxylation, Reduction, and Acceptor Regeneration Are Three Major Steps in CO2 Assimilation
- 6.2 Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (Rubisco) Catalyzes Two Reactions Simultaneously
- 6.3 The Reduction of 3-Phosphoglycerate Yields Triose Phosphate
- 6.4 The CO2 Acceptor Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Is Regenerated From Triose Phosphate
- 6.5 Reductive and Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathways Are Present in Chloroplasts
- 6.6 Reduced Thioredoxins Transmit the Signal “Illumination” and Activate or Inactivate Enzymes
- Chapter 7. Photorespiratory Pathway Recycles Phosphoglycolate
- Abstract
- 7.1 Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Is Recovered by Recycling 2-Phosphoglycolate
- 7.2 Peroxisomes Need External Reducing Equivalents for the Reduction of Hydroxypyruvate
- 7.3 Reassimilation of NH4+ Released in the Photorespiratory Pathway in Chloroplasts
- 7.4 The Peroxisomal Matrix Eliminates Toxic Metabolites
- Chapter 8. Photosynthesis Needs the Consumption of Water
- Abstract
- 8.1 The Uptake of CO2 Into the Leaf Is Accompanied by an Escape of Water Vapor
- 8.2 Stomata Regulate the Gas Exchange of Leaves
- 8.3 The Diffusive Flux of CO2 Into a Plant Cell
- 8.4 C4 Plants Perform CO2 Assimilation With Lower Water Consumption Than C3 Plants
- 8.5 Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Allows Plants to Survive Severe Water Shortages
- Chapter 9. Polysaccharides Are Storage and Transport Forms of Carbohydrates Produced by Photosynthesis
- Abstract
- 9.1 Sucrose Biosynthesis Takes Place in the Cytosol
- 9.2 The Utilization of the Photosynthesis Product Triose Phosphate Is Strictly Regulated
- 9.3 Large Quantities of Carbohydrate Can Be Stored as Starch to Support Metabolism and Growth at Night
- 9.4 Degradation of starch proceeds in two different ways
- 9.5 In Some Plants Photoassimilates From the Leaves Are Exported as Sugar Alcohols or Oligosaccharides of the Raffinose Family
- 9.6 Fructans Are Deposited as Storage Compounds in the Vacuole
- 9.7 Cellulose Is Synthesized by Enzymes Located in the Plasma Membrane
- Chapter 10. Nitrate Assimilation Is Essential for the Biosynthesis of Organic Matter
- Abstract
- 10.1 The Reduction of Nitrate to NH3 Proceeds in Two Reactions
- 10.2 Nitrate Assimilation Is Controlled at Various Levels
- 10.3 The End Product of Nitrate Assimilation Is a Whole Spectrum of Amino Acids
- 10.4 Glutamate Is the Precursor for Chlorophylls and Cytochromes
- Chapter 11. Nitrogen Fixation Enables Plants to Use the Nitrogen in the Air for Growth
- Abstract
- 11.1 Legumes Form a Symbiosis With Nodule-Inducing Bacteria
- 11.2 Dinitrogenase Reductase Delivers Electrons for the Dinitrogenase Reaction
- 11.3 Plants Improve Their Nutrition by Symbiosis With Fungi
- Chapter 12. Products of Nitrogen Fixation and Nitrate Assimilation Are Deposited as Storage Proteins
- Abstract
- 12.1 Globulins Are the Most Abundant Storage Proteins
- 12.2 2S-Proteins Are Present in Seeds of Oilseed Plants
- 12.3 Prolamins Are Formed as Storage Proteins in Grasses
- 12.4 Special Proteins Protect Seeds From Being Eaten by Animals
- 12.5 Biosynthesis of Storage Proteins Is Performed at the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
- 12.6 Proteinases Mobilize the Amino Acids Deposited in Storage Proteins
- Chapter 13. Sulfate Assimilation Enables the Synthesis of Sulfur-Containing Compounds
- Abstract
- 13.1 Sulfate Assimilation Proceeds Primarily by Photosynthesis
- 13.2 Glutathione Serves the Cell as an Antioxidant and Is an Agent for the Detoxification of Pollutants
- 13.3 Methionine Is Synthesized From Cysteine
- 13.4 Sulfate Plays an Important Role During Drought Stress
- Chapter 14. Phloem Transport Distributes Photoassimilates to Various Sites of Consumption and Storage
- Abstract
- 14.1 There Are Different Modes of Phloem Loading
- 14.2 Phloem Transport Proceeds by Mass Flow
- 14.3 Sink Tissues Are Supplied by Phloem Unloading
- Chapter 15. Lipids Are Membrane Constituents and Function as Carbon Stores
- Abstract
- 15.1 Polar Lipids Are Important Membrane Constituents
- 15.2 Triacylglycerols Are Storage Compounds: their de novo biosynthesis takes place in plastids
- 15.3 Glycerol 3-Phosphate Is a Precursor for the Biosynthesis of Glycerolipids
- 15.4 During Seed Germination Storage Lipids Are Mobilized in the Glyoxysomes for the Production of Carbohydrates
- 15.5 Specialized Fatty Acids and Derivatives
- Chapter 16. Special Metabolites Fulfill Specific Biological and Ecological Functions in Plants
- Abstract
- 16.1 Specialized Metabolites Often Protect Plants From Pathogenic Microorganisms and Herbivores
- 16.2 Plants React to Pathogen Attack by the Release of Immunomodulatory Agents, Phytoalexins, and Phytoanticipins
- 16.3 Degradation of Cyanogenic Glycosides Releases Toxic Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
- 16.4 Glucosinolate Degradation Releases Toxic Volatile Mustard Oils
- 16.5 Alkaloids Comprise a Variety of Heterocyclic Specialized Metabolites
- 16.6 Transport, Storage, and Turnover of Specialized Metabolites
- Chapter 17. A Large Diversity of Isoprenoids Has Multiple Functions in Plants
- Abstract
- 17.1 Higher Plants Have Two Different Biosynthesis Pathways for Isoprenoids
- 17.2 Monoterpenes Derive From Geranyl Pyrophosphate
- 17.3 Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Is the Precursor for the Biosynthesis of Sesquiterpenes
- 17.4 Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Is the Precursor for Diterpenes and Polyterpenes
- 17.5 The Regulation of Isoprenoid Biosynthesis
- Chapter 18. Phenylpropanoids Comprise a Multitude of Plant-Specialized Metabolites and Cell Wall Components
- Abstract
- 18.1 Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase and Monooxygenases Are Involved in the Biosynthesis of Phenolic Compounds
- 18.2 Phenylpropanoid Compounds Polymerize to Macromolecules
- 18.3 The Biosynthesis of Flavonoids and Stilbenes Also Requires Acetate for Aromatic Ring Formation
- Chapter 19. Multiple Signals Regulate the Growth and Development of Plant Organs and Enable Their Adaptation to Environmental Conditions
- Abstract
- 19.1 Receptors Are the Initial Component of Signal Transduction Chains and Signaling Networks
- 19.2 Phytohormones Are a Structurally Diverse Group of Functionally Important Compounds
- 19.3 Defense Reactions Are Triggered by the Interplay of Several Signals
- 19.4 Light Sensors Regulate the Growth and Development of Plants
- Chapter 20. A Plant Cell Has Three Different Genomes
- Abstract
- 20.1 Nuclear Genetic Information Is Divided Among Several Chromosomes
- 20.2 Transposable DNA Elements Roam Through the Genome
- 20.3 Plastids Possess a Circular Genome
- 20.4 The Mitochondrial Genome of Plants Varies Greatly in Size
- Chapter 21. Biosynthesis, Processing, and Degradation of Plant Proteins
- Abstract
- 21.1 Protein Biosynthesis is Catalyzed by Ribosomes
- 21.2 Proteins Attain Their Three-Dimensional Structure by Controlled Folding
- 21.3 Nuclear-Encoded Proteins are Targeted to Various Cell Compartments
- 21.4 Proteins are Degraded by Proteasomes in a Strictly Controlled Manner
- Chapter 22. Biotechnology Alters Plants to Meet the Requirements of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Industry
- Abstract
- 22.1 A Gene is Isolated and Archived in a Gene Library
- 22.2 DNA Polymorphism Yields Genetic Markers for Plant Breeding
- 22.3 Agrobacteria Can Transform Plant Cells
- 22.4 Several Techniques are Available to Turn Off Genes in Plants; CRISPR/Cas is the Most Efficient Genome-Editing Strategy
- 22.5 Plant Genetic Engineering Can Be Used for Many Different Purposes
- Index
- Edition: 5
- Published: January 20, 2021
- Imprint: Academic Press
- No. of pages: 628
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780128186312
- eBook ISBN: 9780128227138
HH
Hans-Walter Heldt
Hans-Walter Heldt was a professor at the University of Göttingen in the Department of Biochemistry of the plant. He is co-authored over 250 scientific publications and is the co-author of the textbook, Plant Biochemistry. In 1993, he was awarded the Max Planck Research Award together with Marshall Davidson Hatch . Since 1990, he has been a full member of the Göttingen Academy of Sciences.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, University Goettingen, GermanyBP
Birgit Piechulla
Birgit Piechulla’s current research focus is to understand the biosynthesis and regulation of volatile organic compounds of bacteria and plants (flowers) and to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms and reactions, including signal transduction, in the mVOC receiver. She published 112 peer-reviewed publications, 25 book articles and non-peer-reviewed articles (Researchgate h-index 37). Her book, Plant Biochemistry, co-written with H.W. Heldt has been published in German, English, Russian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Turkish. From 1998 - 2013 she was co-editor of Plant Biology, board member of the Deutsche Botanische Gesellschaft (DBG) (2009-2016), board member of the Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) (2008-2016), councilor of the Int. Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) (2014- 2017), and she held several academic positions within the university, including Vice Rector for Science at the University of Rostock (2,5 years, 2013-2015).
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, GermanyRead Plant Biochemistry on ScienceDirect