The complementary binding of a ligand and receptor is the basic language
of intercellular communication and this book takes a broad look at the
current status of research on receptors in higher and lower plants. It
starts with a discussion of some hormone receptors (auxins, ethylene and
gibberellin) in higher plants, and then considers the role of cyclic AMP
and its receptors in the slime mould Dictyostelium. Authoritative
accounts of our present knowledge of several 'adhesive' phenomena are
also given. These include fertilization in higher plants and yeasts, the
infection of protoplasts by pathogens and of root hairs by
nitrogen-fixing bacteria, cell-cell adhesion in Dictyostelium and a
general consideration of the functions of lectins. First published in
1986, this book will be valuable to biochemists, cell biologists and
physiologists at the research level.