The possession of plasmids was for a long time recognized only in the bacteria. It is now evident that plasmids, or replicative forms of DNA structurally and experimentally comparable to bacterial plasmids, exist in eukaryotic organisms as well. Such plasmids are in fact common among fungi and higher plants. The present review is undertaken to provide a comprehensive account of the data available on plasmids found in eukaryotic organisms. This review will not consider plasmids of prokaryotic origin, even though certain bacterial plasmids, such as the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, may be intimately associated with transformation of the eukaryotic host. This book, moreover, does not consider transformation experiments in eukaryotic hosts involving viral DNA as vectors, although indeed such vectors have been developed for use in plant and animal systems. After a general introduction, providing historical perspective on the nature and role of plasmids, a list of eukaryotic plasmids will be presented according to their origin. This is followed by a detailed discussion of known structure and function. In subsequent chapters the practical implications of eukaryotic plasmids for molecular cloning and biotechnology will be discussed. This latter part traces the development of interest'in biotechnical genetics and gives special consideration to the use of eukaryotic systems for gene cloning. The terminology biotechni cal genetics is introduced to the reader and is used in a general sense as equivalent to genetic engineering. Biotechnical genetics includes, but is not limited to, gene cloning through recombinant DNA technology.
The 50th volume of Progress in Botany appears in new guise. In cooperation with Springer-Verlag we have changed from the less attractive typewriter composition to the direct reproduction of a manuscript which was writ ten by means of a text editing system and produced by a laser printer. We, the editors, should like to take the appearance of Volume 50 as the occasion for a few short remarks. Our younger readers are perhaps not aware that our Book Series was founded in 1931 by Fritz von Wettstein, based on the following thoughts and considerations, aptly formulated by him in the Preface to the first volume. "One of the greatest dangers threatening progress in the science of botany is the absolutely unbelievable growth in volume of the literature. The quality of journals, books and individual works that are daily sent to us makes it impossible for anyone person to maintain a general view of the progress made in botany in all the specialized fields, let alone to find time for results from associated su bjects. For varying reasons, every botanist must find this state of matters insupportable. Let us endeavor, in the general interest, to retain a wide background of knowledge, and not become limited specialists. The vitally necessary connections between the specialized fields can only flourish, or even exist, if the general view of botany as a whole can be maintained.
With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences. The present volume includes reviews on genetics, cell biology, physiology, comparative morphology, ecology and vegetation science.
With one new volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of botany. The present volume in- cludes reviews on structural botany, taxonomy, geobotany, plant physiology, genetics, and floral ecology.
This seris keeps scientists and advanced students specialized on a particular subject informed of the latest developments and results in all different areas of botany. The present volume includes reviews on structuralbotany, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, geobotanic, as well as a contribution treating seed dispersal.
The significance of genetics in biology today stems to a considerable extent from the knowledge which has been obtained through the use of fungi as experimental objects. As a result of their short generation time, their ease of culture under laboratory conditions, and the possibil ity of identifying the four products of meiosis through tetrad analysis, the fungi have proven themselves in many ways superior to the classic genetic experimental material such as Drosophila and maize. Because they permit investigation of genetic fine structure as well as biochemical analysis of the function of the genetic material, the fungi can be used, just as the bacteria and bacteriophages, for molecular biological research. Further, the fungi, because of their simple organi zation, are suitable for investigation of the genetic and physiological bases of morphogenesis and of extrachromosomal inheritance. This monograph is an attempt to summarize and interpret the results of genetic research on fungi. The reader should be reminded that review and interpretation of original research are inevitably influenced by the authors' own opinions. An understanding of the basic principles of genetics is assumed.
With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences. The present volume includes reviews on genetics, cell biology, physiology, comparative morphology, systematics, ecology, and vegetation science.
With one new volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of botany. The present volume in- cludes reviews on structural botany, taxonomy, geobotany, plant physiology, genetics, and floral ecology.
With one new volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of botany. The present volume includes reviews on plant physiology, genetics, taxonomy and geobotany.
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