Providing a particularly timely survey of invertebrate peptide hormones, this book closely examines the recent explosion of interest in this subject, and focuses on two important and related aspects. First, many of the peptides are neurohormones with chemical characteristics resembling, sometimes closely, established vertebrate neurohormonal peptides. In this way these findings have had considerable impact on our understanding of the origin and evolution of peptide regulators. Second, with the availability of techniques such as HPLC and cDNA probes that have allowed detailed study of...

This volume records the proceedings of a meeting held by the Society for Experimental Biology that attempted to determine whether there are common mechanisms of cellular damage and to explore the ways in which calcium and oxygen radicals may interact to generate the damage.

This volume draws together these apparently disparate observations and makes comparisons among the nature of the cellular responses. Studies of cells derived from skeletal muscle, bone and cardiovascular tissue provide a comprehensive synthesis and review of recent work.

Molecular biology techniques have considerably improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the control of flower initiation, development, function, and senescence. These processes are extremely important for managing the yield of agricultural crops. The essays in this volume discuss the molecular and genetic control of flower morphogenesis in particular species as well as the role and regulation of gene expression in the development of the male and female gametes in plant reproduction. They also review the considerable variation in the longevity and pattern of senescence of...

In this diverse synthesis of recent research, the regulation of growth in response to environmental and genetic stimuli is discussed in reference to tissues and cells, as well as the whole animal. Many issues are addressed in detail, including how hormones and growth factors regulate animal growth in the developing embryo and what processes at the molecular level determine the growth patterns of different tissues. The text draws contrasts between regulation in fetal and adult tissues, and among different tissues such as the CNS, bone and muscle. Functional chapters focus on the molecular...

Arthropods form the largest and most varied assemblage of organisms on earth. They are notable as agricultural pests, as vectors of disease and as a source of food. Knowledge in the area of arthropod endocrinology has increased greatly in the past decade with the advent of improved techniques for the isolation and study of the hormones themselves, revealing fascinating relationships among the endocrine systems of the various arthropod groups. This collection brings together in a single volume contributions from many of the leading workers in the field, providing in-depth accounts of the...

One of the predicted consequences of the depletion of stratospheric ozone is an increase in the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the surface of the earth, in particular UV-B (320-280nm). Although the real effects are as yet unknown, this change in radiation could have profound consequences for plant growth and productivity. The need for information concerning the relationship between plants and UV-B is therefore pressing. This volume brings together authoritative contributions from leading experts in UV-B/plant studies and is unique in considering interactions at various scales, ranging...

This book reviews the various metabolic and functional mechanisms that animals possess in order to successfully live in their own particular, often unique, environments. The book's purpose is to demonstrate both the diversity of responses that are shown (be they biochemical, physiological, or behavioral) and to demonstrate the underlying principles of gas exchange and transport for a wide range of diverse organisms. What results is a useful review and analysis of our modern understanding of the respiratory physiology of helminths (parasitic worms), crustacea, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and...

In this diverse synthesis of recent research, the regulation of growth in response to environmental and genetic stimuli is discussed in reference to tissues and cells, as well as the whole animal. Many issues are addressed in detail, including how hormones and growth factors regulate animal growth in the developing embryo and what processes at the molecular level determine the growth patterns of different tissues. The text draws contrasts between regulation in fetal and adult tissues, and among different tissues such as the CNS, bone and muscle. Functional chapters focus on the molecular...