Books in Life sciences

Organization and Assembly of Plant and Animal Extracellular Matrix

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
W. Steven Adair
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 5 3 2 2 5

Organization and Assembly of Plant and Animal Extracellular Matrix presents a state-of-the-art view of some of the experimental systems in plant and animal matrix biology. It discusses certain principles underlying establishment of complex three-dimensional architecture cross broad evolutionary boundaries. The opening chapter reviews studies on the cellular mechanisms responsible for storage, release, assembly, and function of extracellular matrices during early sea urchin development. The subsequent chapters describe the structure, assembly, disassembly, and molecular biology of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cell wall. The chapters also summarize the status of work on basement membrane assembly. Important insights into approaches to identify critical molecular domains and the complexity of relating defined molecular associations to establishment of matrix architecture are provided. A family of discovered cell wall genes that encode protein products containing up to 70% glycine is presented in Chapter 4. This is followed by a discussion on the role of alginate self-assembly in cell wall formation in Fucus. The book goes on to address the issue of protein-carbohydrate recognition with a detailed discussion of plant and animal lectins. Chapter 7 tackles a family of genes encoding higher plant hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) and the relationship between the HRGP genes cloned and their products. The final two chapters are devoted to one of the most important classes of protein modifying enzymes for extracellular matrix formation and function, the prolyl hydroxylases. This book will be of help to workers in plant and animal matrix in understanding information, approaches, and ideas that they may not normally encounter.

Chemical and Biological Generation of Excited States

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Waldermar Adam
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 5 2 3 0 3

Chemical and Biological Generation of Excited States discusses major aspects of chemical and biological generation of electronic excitation. This book is organized into 11 chapters that focus on both chemi- and bioenergized processes. This book first discusses some of the fundamental aspects of the description of excited state behavior in condensed media. It then examines the field of gas-phase dioxetane chemiluminescence both by itself and in relation to solution-phase studies. The presented analysis is based on statistical mechanics and supported by a very simple limiting case calculation. Chapter 4 describes the state-of-the-art of how excitation yields are determined experimentally in chemienergized processes. This is followed by a discussion on activation parameters and stability trends, focusing on solution-phase data. Chapters 6 and 7 examine solution-phase chemiluminescence resulting from high-energy electron-transfer reaction, often involving aromatic radical ions, and the mechanism of excitation step. The next chapters cover the generation of electronic excited states in bioluminescence and the evaluation of luminescent oxidation mechanisms using oxygen tracers. The chapters also explain the formation of electronically excited products in dark biological processes and the mechanism of chemiexcitation as it relates to redox metabolism. Specific examples of biological oxygenation reactions yielding luminescence are also presented. Furthermore, this book discusses the concept and applicability of chemiluminigenic probing for the quantification and differentiation of oxygenation activities in mammalian phagocytes. The concluding chapter is devoted to the possible formation of singlet oxygen in various systems and processes that mimic singlet oxygen reactions. The book intends to attract young scientists as well as established research workers to broaden the horizons of this rapidly growing and potentially very important field.

Methods for Studying Mononuclear Phagocytes

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Dolph Adams
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 0 6 9 0

Methods for Studying Mononuclear Phagocytes is a practical guide to the study of mononuclear phagocytes that brings together various well-established and useful methods for examining these cells. The technical protocols have been made detailed, specific, practical, and inclusive of the necessary mystique for immediate and direct application in the laboratory. The book is divided into 11 parts arranged according to the sequence of steps that would generally be followed to study a given population of mononuclear phagocytes: (I) methods for obtaining and culturing populations of human and animal mononuclear phagocytes; (II) methods for separating populations of leukocytes to enrich or deplete their content of mononuclear phagocytes; (II) criteria and techniques for identifying mononuclear phagocytes; (IV) methods for quantifying the number of mononuclear phagocytes; (V) techniques for studying the morphology of mononuclear phagocytes; (VI) methods for quantifying the biochemical constituents of mononuclear phagocytes; (VII) methods of quantifying phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and chemotaxis; (VIII) methods for quantifying the secretory products of mononuclear phagocytes; (IX) procedures for quantifying the destruction of tumor cells and of microorganisms by mononuclear phagocytes; (X) methods for studying the cell biology of mononuclear phagocytes; and (XI) techniques for studying mononuclear phagocytes in vivo, including procedures for estimating their kinetics, accumulation, identification, and microbicidal properties.

The Retina A Model for Cell Biology Studies Part_1

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Ruben Adler
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 0 7 2 0

The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies, Part I, is the first of a two-part series that details developments in the study of retinal cell biology. The book begins with some basic information about retinal structure and development followed by a discussion of the advantages of the retina as a model system for cell biology studies. It reviews some of the major events in the maturation of the retina pertinent to the assembly of neuronal circuits. The book describes studies of neuronal assembly in order to demonstrate that adhesion-based neuronal assembly may be the most elaborated example of a wider class of morphogenetic phenomena categorized as ""adhesion-guided multicellular assembly"" systems. The remaining chapters discuss in vivo and in vitro studies on trophic interactions in retinal development and in retinal degenerations; cell motility in the retina; molecular properties of vertebrate rod cells; the role of cyclic nucleotides in the metabolism and function of the retina; and the cellular and molecular aspects of photosensitive membrane turnover.

The Retina A Model for Cell Biology Studies Part_2

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Ruben Adler
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 5 4 1 9 2

The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies, Part II, is the second of a two-part series that details developments in the study of retinal cell biology. The book begins with a review of the current evidence for the role of putative neurotransmitters at particular synapses in the retina. It then discusses pre- and postsynaptic regulatory mechanisms; the interactions of neurotransmitter-neu... systems; and cellular effects of putative neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. This is followed by an introduction to vision psychophysics, showing its application in studying the functioning of cells in the retina. The remaining chapters discuss how the retinal pigment epithelium cell might be used as a model for studying biological problems of current interest; extracellular matrix molecules; concepts and controversies regarding the biology of endothelial cells, the key elements in the phenomenon of intraocular neovascularization; the use of genetic mutations and genetic mosaics for the study of the retina; and the retina as a regenerating organ.

Plant Pathology

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
George Agrios
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 4 0 3 2

Plant Pathology presents information and advances in plant pathology including disease induction and development and disease resistance and control. This book is organized into two major parts encompassing 14 chapters that focus on diseases, pathogenicity, and pathogen variability. The first part of the book deals with general considerations of disease, the disease cycle, parasitism and pathogenicity, and the variability in pathogens. This is followed by a presentation of the mechanisms by which pathogens cause disease and plants resist disease. Core chapters focus on the effects of pathogen-produced enzymes, toxins, growth regulators, and polysaccharides on the structural organization and on the basic physiological processes of photosynthesis, translocation, and respiration. The chapters also discuss the defense mechanisms of the plant. Moreover, this book explains the genetics of host-parasite interaction, effects of environment on disease development, and control. The second part of the book deals with the infectious diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, parasitic higher plants, viruses, and nematodes. This part also looks into the noninfectious diseases caused by environmental factors. The diseases caused by each type of pathogen are discussed comprehensively as a group and are subsequently discussed individually in detail. This book includes diagrams of cycles for each disease to create visual images for better understanding of the disease and message retention. This book is ideal for students with introductory course in plant pathology.

Plant Pathology

2nd Edition
December 2, 2012
George Agrios
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 6 1 3 5 0

Plant Pathology, Second Edition incorporates developments in identifying pathogens and disease diagnosis. This book is organized into two major parts encompassing 16 chapters that discuss general aspects of plant diseases and specific plant diseases caused by various microorganisms. This edition includes chapters or sections on diseases caused by mycoplasma-like organisms, rickettsia-like bacteria, viroids, and protozoa. Information on the genetics of plant diseases, the development of resistant varieties, and their vulnerability to new pathogen races is added in this release. It also includes information on the development of epidemics. The presentation of these topics is followed by a discussion on systemic fungicides and biological control of diseases, as well as postharvest diseases of plant products. Furthermore, this edition also explains mycotoxins and mycotoxicoses, as well as techniques of isolation, culturing, indexing, and identification of pathogens. It also studies mycorrhiza and root-nodule bacteria. Considerable chapters describe diseases caused by fungi and those caused by bacteria, which have been organized in logical, cohesive groups according to their most important symptoms. Diagrams of disease cycles, groups of pathogens and symptoms, and techniques and concepts of plant pathology are incorporated in each chapter. Moreover, this edition provides numerous photographs (macroscopic, microscopic, electron micrographs, and scanning electron micrographs) that illustrate concepts, pathogens, and symptoms. Teachers and students who are interested in plant pathology and plant diseases and control will find this book very helpful.

Plant Pathology

3rd Edition
December 2, 2012
George N. Agrios
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 3 9 6 9 4

Plant Pathology, Third Edition, provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of plant pathology, incorporating important new developments in the field. The present volume also follows closely the organization and format of the Second Edition. It includes two new chapters, ""Plant Disease Epidemiology"" and ""Applications of Biotechnology in Plant Pathology."" Extensively updated new information has been added about the history of plant pathology, the stages in the development of disease, the chemical weapons of attack by pathogens, and the genetics of plant disease. The book is organized into three parts. Part I discusses basic concepts such as classification of plant diseases; parasitism and disease development; how pathogens attack plants; effects of pathogens on plant physiology; plant defenses against pathogens; and genetics, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases. Part II on specific plant diseases covers diseases caused by fungi, prokaryotes, parasitic higher plants, viruses, nematodes, and flagellate protozoa. Part III deals with applications of biotechnology in plant pathology.

The Lichens

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Vernon Ahmadijian
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 3 0 9 7

The Lichens covers the structure and development, physiology of the intact thallus, environmental response and effects, secondary metabolic products, and symbiont interactions of lichens. This book is divided into five parts encompassing 19 chapters. It also includes appendices consist of a taxonomic scheme, methods for isolating and culturing lichen symbionts and thalli, and methods for isolating and identifying lichen substances. The first part of this book describes the original fungal cell and its development into specialized cells of which the various tissues and thalli are composed. This is followed by discussions on sexual reproduction of ascolichens and basidiolichens and on systematic criteria for the definition of taxa in different hierarchical steps. This book also explains the types of propagules produced by lichens and the submicroscopical investigations of lichens, including phycobiont and mycobionts' substructure and symbiotic relationship. The second part of this book examines the physiological aspects of lichens. It includes discussions on metal cation uptake and translocation in vascular plants and on lichens' role in rock weathering and soil formation. This part also studies photosynthetic rates and nitrogen absorption and metabolism by the intact thallus of lichens. Succeeding chapters discuss physiological and morphological responses of lichens to the most important environmental factors and the relationship of these factors to lichen distribution. Substrate preferences of lichens and their causes and implications with regard to the ecology, distribution, and taxonomy of lichens are also examined. This text also discusses lichen thalli growth, methods of measurement, and factors influencing growth. Finally, the concluding parts deal with the biosynthesis of lichen substances, secondary metabolic products, and symbiotic relations of lichens to fungi and algae. This multi-authored book is an ideal source of information for researchers, teachers, and students who wish to broaden their knowledge in the diversity of lichenology.

Intracellular Parasitic Protozoa

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Masamichi Aikawa
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 6 1 1 8 3

Intracellular Parasitic Protozoa introduces the basic structure and classification of intracellular parasitic protozoa and the concept of parasitism. This book starts by discussing the concept of parasitism and the taxonomic background of various intracellular protozoan organisms. This is followed by a description of the relationships between intracellular protozoan and their host cells. Then, this book discusses the ultrastructure of cells and organisms, emphasizing cell morphology that serves as the primary basis of generalizations of the host cell-parasite relationships. It also presents the intracellular protozoa in several groups according to their probable taxonomic relationships and more obvious morphological similarities. Finally, this text describes protozoan fine structure, along with a brief discussion of their biological aspects. This book is ideal for researchers, teachers, and students who wish to gain more knowledge in parasitism caused by intracellular protozoa.

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Books in Life sciences

Organization and Assembly of Plant and Animal Extracellular Matrix

Chemical and Biological Generation of Excited States

Methods for Studying Mononuclear Phagocytes

The Retina A Model for Cell Biology Studies Part_1

The Retina A Model for Cell Biology Studies Part_2

Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology

The Lichens

Intracellular Parasitic Protozoa

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