Main description:

In the two decades since the last comprehensive work on plant peroxisomes appeared, the scientific approaches employed in the study of plant biology have changed beyond all recognition. The accelerating pace of plant research in the post-genomic era is leading us to appreciate that peroxisomes have many important roles in plant cells, including reserve mobilisation, nitrogen assimilation, defence against stress, and metabolism of plant hormones, which are vital for productivity and normal plant development. Many plant scientists are finding, and will no doubt continue to find, that their own area of research is connected in some way to peroxisomes.

Written by the leading experts in the field, this book surveys peroxisomal metabolic pathways, protein targeting and biogenesis of the organelle and prospects for the manipulation of peroxisomal function for biotechnological purposes. It aims to draw together the current state of the art as a convenient starting point for anyone, student or researcher, who wishes to know about plant peroxisomes.

Contents:

Contributors. Preface. Colour plate. Acknowledgements.
Section 1: Peroxisome functions.
1. Early research on peroxisomes in plants; H. Beevers. 2. Molecular biology, enzymology, and physiology of beta-oxidation; M. Hooks. 3. Synthesis and function of glyoxylate cycle enzymes; J.E. Cornah, S.M. Smith. 4. Plant catalases; M. Heinze, B. Gerhardt. 5. The photorespiratory pathway of leaf peroxisomes; S. Reumann. 6. Peroxisome biogenesis in root nodules and assimilation of symbiotically-reduced nitrogen in tropical legumes; D.P.S. Verma. 7. Peroxisomes, reactive oxygen metabolism, and stress-related enzyme activities; L.A. der Rio, et al. 8. Peroxisomal membrane enzymes; R.P. Donaldson. 9. Genetic approaches to understand plant peroxisomes; M. Hayashi, M. Nishimura.
Section 2: Peroxisome biogenesis and protein import.
10. Peroxisomal biogenesis and acquisition of membrane proteins; R.N. Trelease. 11. Targeting and import of matrix proteins into peroxisomes; R. Mullen. 12. PEX genes in plants and other organisms; W. Charton, E. Lopez-Huertas.
Section 3: Peroxisomes - biotechnological potential.
13. Prospects of increasing stress resistance of plant peroxisomes; R. Grene Alscher. 14. Futile cycling through beta-oxidation as a barrier into increased yields of novel oils; E. Rylott, T. Larson. 15. Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis in plant peroxisomes; Y. Poirier.
Index.