In this comprehensive and stimulating text and reference, the authors have succeeded in combining experimental data with current hypotheses and theories to explain the complex physiological functions of plants. For every student, teacher and researcher in the plant sciences it offers a solid basis for an in-depth understanding of the entire subject area, underpinning up-to-date research in plant physiology. The authors vividly explain current research by references to experiments, they cite original literature in figures and tables, and, at the end of each chapter, list recent references that are relevant for a deeper analysis of the topic. In addition, an abundance of detailed and informative illustrations complement the text.

1 Setting the Aims in Physiology

2 Theoretical Basis of Physiology
3 The Cell as a Morphological System
4 The Cell as an Energetic System
5 The Cell as a Metabolic System
6 The Cell as a Dividing System
7 The Cell as a Polar System
8 The Cell as a Growing System
9 The Cell as an Oscillatory System
10 The Cell as a Gene-Physiological System
11 Intracellular Morphogenesis
12 Photosynthesis as a Chloroplast Function
13 Respiratory Metabolism
14 The Leaf as a Photosynthetic System
15 C4 Plants and CAM Plants
16 Metabolism of Water and Inorganic Ions
17 Ecological Cycles of Materials and Energy
18 Biosynthetic Metabolism
19 Physiology of Development
20 Physiology of Sexuality
21 Photomorphogenesis
22 Development of Chloroplasts
23 Physiology of Hormone Action
24 Ripening and Germination of Reproductive and Distributive Organs
25 Flower Formation and Photo- and Thermoperiodism
26 Physiology of Senescence
27 Physiology of Regeneration and Transplantation
28 Effects of Ionising Radiation
29 Physiology of Xylem Transport
30 Physiology of Phloem Transport
31 Physiology of Movement
32 Physiology of Stress Resistance
33 Physiology of Crop Production
Appendix: Physical Quantities, Units, Conversion Factors and Constants
References.