How plants function and grow in a wide range of environments are the main themes of this book and it also covers plant structure, molecular genetics and interactions with microbes. It is an introductory textbook, intended for first or second year undergraduates with a science background and some knowledge of general biochemistry. Topics range from plant life cycles and evolution on land to photosynthesis, water relations, transport systems, mineral nutrition and growth and development. The book is augmented by a superb CD-ROM: basic anatomy is taught with the help of the Digital Microscope, which allows you to view and manipulate slides of plant sections; and Plant Gene Manipulation takes you into virtual laboratories to learn about and investigate molecular genetics. The 'doing' of science is emphasised throughout, with experimental techniques described in separate boxes and questions in the text that ask you to interpret data, carry out calculations or check your understanding of material. To help learning and revision, each major section within chapters has a summary.Written in an engaging style, and with full colour presentation throughout, this book provides an excellent way to develop a sound understanding of plant biology.