While there are a few plant cell biology books that are currently available, these are expensive, methods-oriented monographs. The present volume is a textbook for upper undergraduate and beginning graduate students. This textbook stresses concepts and is inquiry-oriented. To this end, there is extensive use of original research literature. As we live in an era of literature explosion, one must be selective. These judgements will naturally vary with each investigator. Input was sought from colleagues in deciding the literature to include. In addition to provision of select research literature, this volume presents citations and summaries of certain laboratory methods. In this connection, the textbook stresses quantitative data to enhance the student?s analytical abilities. Thus the volume contains computer-spread sheets and references to statistical packages, e.g. Harvard Graphics and Statistica.

Plant Cell Biology, volume 160 in “Methods in Cell Biology”, includes chapters on modern experimental procedures and applications developed for research in the broad area of plant cell biology. Topics covered in this volume include techniques for imaging and analyzing membrane dynamics and movement across membranes; cell wall composition, structure and mechanics; cytoskeleton dynamics and organization; cell development; ion channel physiology; cell mechanics; and methods related to quantifying cell morphogenesis.

• Provide in-depth procedures and application notes from selected experts who developed the methods
• Each chapter will include figures and movies as appropriate to explain complex techniques
• Chapters will include caveats of techniques and future prospects