Wood Formation in Trees: Cell and Molecular Biology Techniques

Trees are a major component of the biosphere and have played an important part in our history and culture. Today, we are facing the challenges of global warming and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Trees, and in particular their wood, can help us solve both these modern dilemmas. Unfortunately, we know too little about the biology of these plants, due largely to a lack of appropriate techniques.

In recognition of this, Wood Formation in Trees presents a wide variety of detailed techniques and protocols for the study of the cell and molecular biology of wood formation in trees. All chapters have been written by internationally recognised experts; in most cases the authors are the researchers who have developed the techniques.

Thus they not only speak with authority but also provide first-hand tips and trade secrets that are essential to help the uninitiated to master the techniques. The techniques covered reflect a hierarchical approach to the study of the developmental biology of wood formation: anatomical, biochemical and molecular-genetical.

Trees are a tremendous but much under appreciated natural resource. In an age where we find it necessary to modify the natural product so that it suits modern tastes and industrial processes, it is essential that we understand how the natural product is made. Application of the techniques contained in this book will help to provide that essential information about the process of wood formation in trees.