Perspective: Plant biology-a quiet pioneer

Abstract

The study of plants contributed to establishment of the foundation for modern biology. For example, it was observations first made in plants that led to two fundamental theories of biology-cell theory and genetics. Throughout the 20th century, plant biology continued to make contributions to the conceptual and technological advances in basic biology and biotechnology, although plant biology's contributions were not always recognized by the field of biology at large. Plants have direct applications to today's major societal challenges including food security, climate change, energy, and sustainability. Solutions to these challenges require innovative technologies that are solidly based on science.