Stomata (Topics in Plant Functional Biology) - Comprehensive Reference

Our review of Stomata (Topics in Plant Functional Biology) finds this second edition to be the go-to reference for advanced students and lecturers seeking a thorough, up-to-date treatment of stomatal biology. The book's single biggest selling point is its broad, integrated coverage: it combines clear explanations, new material on gaseous diffusion theory, and expanded sections on signal perception, ion relations, and guard cell metabolism. For anyone teaching or researching plant physiology who needs a comprehensive, well-illustrated text, this edition delivers a solid, scholarly resource.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: The text reviews the full span of stomatal biology so readers can find background and advanced topics in one place.
• Updated theory chapter: A new chapter on gaseous diffusion through stomata explains the physical basis behind gas exchange, improving conceptual clarity for researchers.
• Expanded cellular detail: New sections on guard cell ionic relations and metabolism provide deeper mechanistic insight useful for laboratory study and interpretation.
• Signal transduction focus: Added material on signal perception and transduction helps readers understand how environmental cues control stomatal behavior.
• Illustrations and tables: Numerous line drawings, photographs and comprehensive tables make complex information easier to digest and reference.
• Genetics and molecular biology: A concluding chapter summarizes genetic and molecular advances, useful for those bridging physiology and molecular work.

Who It's For

This book is aimed primarily at advanced undergraduates, post-graduates and academic lecturers in plant physiology who need a comprehensive, scholarly reference on stomatal function. It suits researchers wanting an integrated view that connects cellular mechanisms to whole-plant gas exchange.

Practitioners seeking a brief field guide or a beginner's introduction to general botany should look elsewhere, since the treatment assumes prior knowledge and is geared toward detailed physiological and molecular discussion rather than elementary instruction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough, scholarly treatment makes it a reliable reference for advanced coursework and research.
• New chapter on gaseous diffusion offers up-to-date theoretical context for gas exchange studies.
• Well-illustrated layout with tables and photographs aids comprehension of complex topics.
• Includes molecular and genetic perspectives that broaden its usefulness across subfields.

Cons

• The level of detail and assumed background make it less suitable for casual readers or beginners wanting an introductory text.

Specifications

Title	Stomata (Topics in Plant Functional Biology)
Authors	M. Fricker, C. Willmer
Edition	Second edition
Scope	Comprehensive stomatal biology, theory to genetics
New content	Gaseous diffusion chapter; signal transduction; guard cell ion and metabolic sections
Illustrations	Line illustrations, photographs and comprehensive tables

Our Verdict

Stomata (second edition) is a high-value, comprehensive reference for advanced students and lecturers in plant physiology, offering updated theory and expanded cellular and molecular coverage. Its depth and clear illustrations make it well worth acquiring for anyone needing an integrated, scholarly account of stomatal biology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new theoretical material?
Yes. It adds a new chapter reviewing the theory of gaseous diffusion through stomata.

Is this suitable for beginners?
No. The book assumes background in plant physiology and is aimed at advanced students and researchers.

Are there visual aids to support the text?
Yes. The text is well illustrated with line drawings, photographs and comprehensive tables to support understanding.