Plant Physiology and Phytochemistry
This Web page contains the URLs and annotations for the Web-accessible resources listed in Guide to Reference and Information Sources in Plant Biology, published by Libraries Unlimited in December 2005.
Chapter 9: Plant Physiology and Phytochemistry
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Bibliographies and Guides to the Literature
- Orr, Larry and Govinjee. Photosynthesis and the Web: 2005.
Originally published in Photosynthesis Research 68: 1-28, 2001, this comprehensive, updated site pulls together photosynthesis sites on the Web. Among the key resources listed are Web sites for: photosynthetic research groups, the history of photosynthesis and the Nobel Prizes related to it, chloroplasts and pigments, and bacterial photosynthesis. Particularly rich is the list of research sites related to the dark (carbon) and light reactions. Additionally resources are listed for K-12 including protocols for classroom experiments. Finally, key photosynthetic journals, book series and societies are listed.
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Serials
- Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology. Vol. 14- . Londrina, Brazil: Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology, 2002- . 3 times per year. $75.00. ISSN 1677-0420. Available electronically.
The official journal of the Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology, this journal publishes papers, short communications, and minireviews. Issued online for free as part of SciELO. Formerly Revista Brasileira de Fisiologia Vegetal.
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Handbooks and Methods
- Blum, Abraham. PlantStress.
Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, PlantStress is focused on topics related to abiotic plant stressors such as drought, heat, mineral deficiency, salinity, cold, mineral toxicity, oxidation, and water logging. For each of the stressors the physiological impact is described, agricultural management and plant resistance strategies are outlined, and references are given to recent research. Articles and links are available for genetic resources and for the genetic engineering of plant resistance traits. This site also offers a bibliographic reference database on plant stress. News, announcements, meeting information and a bulletin board are also available.
- Ehrhardt, David. Plant Cell Imaging. Carnegie Institute of Washington, Department of Biology, Stanford University: Stanford, CA.
This site offers images and videos of living plant cells and cell components using genetic fluorescent molecular tags and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Florescent tags have been developed for cell surfaces, vacuolar membranes, endoplasmic reticulum surfaces, nuclear structures, chromosomes, and more. The Web site also discusses the equipment and methods used when working with green fluorescent protein (GFP).
- Keegstra, Kenneth, coord. WallBioNet - Plant Cell Wall Biosynthesis Research Network.
Developed at the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of their research coordination program, the WallBioNet Web site was established to promote cooperation among researchers studying various aspects of plant cell wall biosynthetic genes, and to define the roles of the cell wall in plant growth, development and defense. The site includes a database with information on wall biosynthetic genes, wall component mutants and knockout lines, antibodies to wall components and biosynthetic proteins, and sugar nucleotide donors. See also, Plant Cell Walls, from the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia and Cell Wall, hosted by the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
- Walker, John C, Michael Gribskov, and Jeffery Harper. PlantsP - Functional Genomics of Plant Phosphorylation.
PlantsP is a database of sequence and functional information for protein kinases and phosphatases in Arabidopsis thaliana and other plants. Because protein kinases and phosphatases control hundreds of processes in plants, it was felt that a genome-wide approach was needed to make advances in discovering the roles of these enzymes in the regulation of plant function. Information is searchable by keyword, species, NCBI protein ID, various protein sequence features, or via BLAST. The site also provides abstracts of recent papers on plant protein kinases and related topics.
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Textbooks and Treatises
- Hangarter, Roger P. Plants in Motion. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, Department of Biology, 2000.
The Plants in Motion Web site features a series of time-lapse movies of plant growth, movement, and behavior in response to various stimuli. Movie categories include germination, photomorphogenesis, phototropism, gravitropism, nastic movements, circadian responses, general growth, flowers, and cellular responses. Arabidopsis, morning glory, corn, sunflower, Mimosa, and Venus flytrap are among the plants represented in the movie collection.
- Taiz, Lincoln, and Eduardo Zeiger. Plant Physiology. 3rd ed. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, 2002. 690 p. $107.95. ISBN 0878938230.
The most frequently used plant physiology textbook for undergraduates, the concepts are clearly written and understandable. The three major parts of the book are devoted to transport and translocation of water and solutes, biochemistry and metabolism, and growth and development. A companion Web site is also available that, among other things, contains frequently updated essays on emerging areas.
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Associations
- American Society for Photobiology (ASP).
According to its Web site, "The ASP promotes original research in photobiology, facilitates integration of different disciplines in the study of photobiology, promotes dissemination of knowledge of photobiology, and provides information on the photobiological aspects of national and international problems." Publishes Photochemistry and Photobiology.
- American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB).
The largest professional society of plant scientists interested in physiology, molecular biology, environmental biology, cell biology, and biophysics of plants, and other related matters. Publishes ASPB Newsletter, Plant Cell, and Plant Physiology. Formerly the American Society of Plant Physiologists.
- Australian Society of Plant Scientists (ASPS).
The focus of this group is to promote communication between teachers and researchers of plant physiology and molecular biology. An annual conference, ComBio, is organized jointly with one or more of the following societies: the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, the New Zealand Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NZSPP), or the New Zealand Society of Plant Physiologists. Publishes Phytogen and Functional Plant Biology. Formerly the Australian Society of Plant Physiologists.
- Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists (CSPP).
The member's research interests span a broad spectrum, including whole plant physiology, cell biology, metabolism, molecular biology, biotic interactions, plant defense mechanisms and environmental physiology. The annual meeting is often held in conjunction with related societies such as the American Society of Plant Biologists, the Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists or the Australian Society of Plant Scientists.
- Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB).
The aims of FESPB are to advance research, education, and the exchange of information amongst plant biologists within Europe and beyond, and to support the publication of the results of research through its five affiliated international journals: Journal of Experimental Botany, Journal of Plant Physiology, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Functional Plant Biology and Physiologia Plantarum. FESPB also publishes a newsletter, FESPBAlert, which is available at the Web site. Formerly Federation of European Societies of Plant Physiology.
- International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR).
The purposes of ISPR are to encourage and to promote the growth and development of photosynthesis as a pure and applied science and to facilitate the publication of topics relating to the study of photosynthesis. Publishes Photosynthesis Research
- Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists (JSPP).
Although its initial charter was to foster academic exchange in the area of plant physiology, it has become a more comprehensive society including those who research microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Publishes Plant and Cell Physiology.
- Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE).
Acts as a forum for specialists in plant chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology who are interested in applying their research findings to agriculture and industry. Publishes Proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe, Phytochemistry, and Phytochemistry Reviews.
- Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA).
Primarily research scientists interested in all aspects of the chemistry of plants. Purpose is to promote phytochemical research and communication. An annual conference is held, often with another small, related group. Publishes Recent Advances in Phytochemistry
- Plant Growth Regulation Society of America (PGRSA).
The primary purpose is to disseminate information concerning regulation of plant growth that results in safe, environmentally sound, and efficient production of food, fiber, and ornamentals. Publishes PGRSA Quarterly and several books and handbooks on plant growth regulators.
- Scandinavian Society for Plant Physiology (Societas Physiologia Plantarum Scandinavica, SSPP).
Founded 1947, the SSPP has about 500 members of which about half come from the USA, Japan, Germany, and over 40 other non-Scandinavian countries. Works to further the development of the field of plant physiology by sponsoring courses, seminars, and symposia; an international conference is held biennially. Publishes Physiologia Plantarum. SPPS is affiliated with the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology.
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