Plant Genetics: Biodiversity and Evolution

Plants are multicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes. There are nearly 300,000 species of green plants. Plants have evolved from algal mats, through bryophytes, lycopods and ferns to the highly complex angiosperms and gymnosperms. Some of the largest genomes among all organisms occur in plants. Besides the inheritance of traits, the genome of a plant is also responsible for its growth and development. Plants experience different biotic and abiotic stresses, which cause DNA damage whether directly or indirectly. Plants resist such DNA damage with a damage response, which is critical for maintaining stability of the genome. This is vital especially during seed germination, as the seed quality deteriorates with age. This book covers in detail some existing theories and innovative concepts revolving around this field. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on plant genetics with respect to biodiversity and evolution have been included herein. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.