Description
Book SynopsisWritten with the non-specialist in mind, this book provides a lively introduction to how plants function. Topics include energy, nutrition, growth, development and, new to this edition, the interaction of plants with their environment, particularly exploring the impact of problems created by human activities such as pollution and global warming.
Trade Review'… one of the best-written, general accounts of plant biology that I know … if you are looking for a book to stress the significance of modern plant science/fascination of botany on young minds (or even not-so-young ones), look no further than the 2nd edition of John King's Reaching for the Sun!' Annals of Botany
'… I enjoyed the book. It was interesting and presented many examples of plant species and environments from around the world.' The Forestry Chronicle
'… highly recommended for any citizen looking for a straightforward and thorough overview of plants and their lives.' Plant Science Bulletin
Table of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition; Preface to the First Edition; Part I. Plants and Energy: 1. Photosynthesis: the leitmotiv of life; 2. Plant respiration: breathing without lungs; References; Part II. Plant Nutrition: 3. Plants are cool, but why?; 4. Nutrition for the healthy lifestyle; 5. Nitrogen, nitrogen, everywhere ...; 6. Transport of delights; References; Part III. Growth and Development: 7. Growth: the long and the short of it; 8. The time of their lives; 9. A dash of seasoning; 10. Dormancy: a matter of survival; 11. Color, fragrance, and flavor; References; Part IV. Stress, Defense, and Decline: 12. Stressful tranquility; 13. Chemical warfare; 14. Senescence and death; References; Part V. Plants and the Environment: 15. Elemental cycles; 16. The human touch; Appendix. Genetic engineering in a rapidly changing world; References; Epilogue; Index.
