Nobel, P. S.: An introduction to biophysical plant physiology

Abstract

Chapters 1-3 of this book present a physical description of water relations and ion transport involving plant cells. Diffusion is discussed together with the physical barriers to this process caused by cell and organelle membranes and by the cell wall. Movement of water through cells is dealt with in relation to the thermodynamics of chemical potential gradients. Solute movement into and out of plant cells and electrical potential differences across membranes are next discussed in relation to the reflection coefficient which permits the true evaluation of osmotic pressure effects. The remainder of the book deals largely with energy interconversion; the properties of light; chlorophyll and photosynthesis; bioenergetics; leaf resistances; fluxes of water vapour, CO2 and energy in leaves; gas fluxes above and within the canopy; soil properties; water movement in xylem and phloem; and the soil/plant/ atmosphere continuum. There are 8 appendices explaining mathematical concepts introduced in the book and a 9th on techniques for measuring electrical potential differences across membranes