Plant Peroxisomes : Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Biotechnological Applications

In the two decades since the last comprehensive work on plant peroxisomes appeared, the scientific approaches employed in the study of plant biology have changed beyond all recognition. The accelerating pace of plant research in the post-genomic era is leading us to appreciate that peroxisomes have many important roles in plant cells, including reserve mobilisation, nitrogen assimilation, defence against stress, and metabolism of plant hormones, which are vital for productivity and normal plant development. Many plant scientists are finding, and will no doubt continue to find, that their own area of research is connected in some way to peroxisomes. Written by the leading experts in the field, this book surveys peroxisomal metabolic pathways, protein targeting and biogenesis of the organelle and prospects for the manipulation of peroxisomal function for biotechnological purposes. It aims to draw together the current state of the art as a convenient starting point for anyone, student or researcher, who wishes to know about plant peroxisomes. Front Matter....Pages i-xv Early Research on Peroxisomes in Plants....Pages 1-17 Molecular Biology, Enzymology, and Physiology of β-Oxidation....Pages 19-55 Synthesis and Function of Glyoxylate Cycle Enzymes....Pages 57-101 Plant Catalases....Pages 103-140 The Photorespiratory Pathway of Leaf Peroxisomes....Pages 141-189 Peroxisome Biogenesis in Root Nodules and Assimilation of Symbiotically-Reduced Nitrogen in Tropical Legumes....Pages 191-220 Peroxisomes, Reactive Oxygen Metabolism, and Stress-Related Enzyme Activities....Pages 221-258 Peroxisomal Membrane Enzymes....Pages 259-278 Genetic Approaches to Understand Plant Peroxisomes....Pages 279-303 Peroxisomal Biogenesis and Acquistion of Membrane Proteins....Pages 305-337 Targeting and Import of Matrix Proteins into Peroxisomes....Pages 339-383 PEX Genes in Plants and Other Organisms....Pages 385-426 Prospects for Increasing Stress Resistance of Plant Peroxisomes....Pages 427-443 Futile Cycling Through β-Oxidation as a Barrier to Increased Yields of Novel Oils....Pages 445-463 Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthesis in Plant Peroxisomes....Pages 465-496 Back Matter....Pages 497-505