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Photosynthesis: Molecular, Physiological and Environmental Processes
Pergamoa
Phytockmuny. Vol. 35. No. 3. p 833, 199) Elaevier Scima Ltd. Printi in CimacEariti
BOOK REVIEW Moledar, Physioh&cal and Eavironby D. W. LAWLOR, 2nd Edn, 1993. 318 pp. E19.99. ISBN 0-582-086574. Photosyntbesii
mentalPr-
Anyone wishing to update themselves on recent develop ments in the photosynthetic field will be able to do so by reading the second edition of this book, which first appeared in 1987. There is, for example, a new chapter on the molecular biology of the photosynthetic system, a thorough discussion of new research on Photosystem II and a new diagram, illustrating the three-dimensional arrangement of subunits in the structure of Rubisco. Of course, to cover so many aspects of the photosynthetic process within a relatively short span is a considerable challenge and the author is clearly more successful in some areas than others. The shortage of space means that
the text has a somewhat ‘breathless’ style and there is over-reliance on three-letter abbreviations. Although C4 photosynthesis gets nearly 12 pages it is asking lot of the reader to comprehend Crassulacean acid metabolism from two pages of text and two diagrams. Inevitably, perhaps, there are some errors. I noted several, particularly in the structures of the carotenoids. However, there is no doubt that this book provides a useful entry into some of the mysteries photosynthesis in plants and it can be particularly recommended for the many new courses being developed in U.K. universities on environmental science.
School oj Plant Sciences. Uniwrsity of Reading.
833
JEFFREYB. HARBORNE
Phytockmuny. Vol. 35. No. 3. p 833, 199) Elaevier Scima Ltd. Printi in CimacEariti
BOOK REVIEW Moledar, Physioh&cal and Eavironby D. W. LAWLOR, 2nd Edn, 1993. 318 pp. E19.99. ISBN 0-582-086574. Photosyntbesii
mentalPr-
Anyone wishing to update themselves on recent develop ments in the photosynthetic field will be able to do so by reading the second edition of this book, which first appeared in 1987. There is, for example, a new chapter on the molecular biology of the photosynthetic system, a thorough discussion of new research on Photosystem II and a new diagram, illustrating the three-dimensional arrangement of subunits in the structure of Rubisco. Of course, to cover so many aspects of the photosynthetic process within a relatively short span is a considerable challenge and the author is clearly more successful in some areas than others. The shortage of space means that
the text has a somewhat ‘breathless’ style and there is over-reliance on three-letter abbreviations. Although C4 photosynthesis gets nearly 12 pages it is asking lot of the reader to comprehend Crassulacean acid metabolism from two pages of text and two diagrams. Inevitably, perhaps, there are some errors. I noted several, particularly in the structures of the carotenoids. However, there is no doubt that this book provides a useful entry into some of the mysteries photosynthesis in plants and it can be particularly recommended for the many new courses being developed in U.K. universities on environmental science.
School oj Plant Sciences. Uniwrsity of Reading.
833
JEFFREYB. HARBORNE