Control of primary metabolism in plants. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 22

Abstract

Plaxton WC, McManus MT. eds. 2006.Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. £109.95 (hardback). 386 pp.In the context of primary metabolism in plants, this book aims at linking the remarkable advances in molecular genetics with the emerging roles of metabolomics, proteomics and transcriptomics with some traditional biochemistry, such as protein chemistry and enzymology. In a lucid preface, the editors give a clear statement of the needs, in terms of research strategy, for understanding biological processes in the post-genome era. ‘Metabolic regulation’ and ‘metabolic control’ are defined and illustrated in the preface, which provides the discussion thread shared by all the authors. A major strength of this book is the care the authors take throughout their work to make the link between the knowledge of molecular, reductionist-based, enzyme-control mechanisms to organismal-level explanations of ‘metabolic regulation’ or ‘metabolic control’. In general, a good balance has been found between the presentation of the historical and main concepts, relevant information and references, and the latest developments in each specific domain. This book can be used by novices, since many of the chapters provide introductory material, but it is also a conspectus of areas of current research interests for experienced scientists.