Beck C.B. An Introduction to Plant Structure and Development

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010 .— 441 p. — ISBN13: 978-0-511-77022-7This is a plant anatomy textbook unlike any other on the market today. As suggested by the subtitle, it is plant anatomy for the twenty-first century. Whereas traditional plant anatomy texts include primarily descriptive aspects of structure with some emphasis on patterns of development, this book not only provides a comprehensive coverage of plant structure, but also introduces, in some detail, aspects of the mechanisms of development, especially the genetic and hormonal controls, and the roles of the cytoskeleton. The evolution of plant structure and the relationship between structure and function are also discussed throughout the book. Consequently, it provides students and, perhaps, some teachers as well, with an introduction to many of the exciting, contemporary areas at the forefront of research, especially those areas concerning development of plant structure. Those who wish to delve more deeply into areas of plant development will find the extensive bibliographies at the end of each chapter indispensible. If this book stimulates a few students to become leaders in teaching and research in plant anatomy of the future, the goal of the author will have been accomplished.