© 1997 • 468 pp., illus., color plates, index
Paper • $42 $14.70 • ISBN  978-087969444-9
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This unique work of reference provides quick and easy access to the remarkable diversity of mutant phenotypes expressed by the maize plant. Its major portion consists of over 400 color photographs of well-established mutants arranged by chromosome position, detailed descriptions of the mutants' gene loci, and a current summary of the physical structure of genes that have been characterized at the molecular level. First published in 1968 and long out of print, Mutants of Maize has been entirely revised by three of the corn plant's most distinguished investigators, enlarged to cover twice the number of mutants, and redesigned with clarity and elegance. All maize biologists will want this magnificent book in their personal library. In addition, because mutant maize genes have counterparts in most species, the book can be considered a general guide to the consequences of mutation in the entire plant kingdom.

All maize biologists will want this magnificent book in their personal library. In addition, because mutant maize genes have counterparts in most species, the book can be considered a general guide to the consequences of mutation in the entire plant kingdom.

  "This book contains an impressive amount of relevant information on the genetics of maize, which may be consulted with profit by young scientists who are entering plant molecular genetics, and wish to use maize as a tool. For more mature readers — those who have experienced and contributed to the explosive development of maize genetics in the last few decades — the book holds much more. In perusing its 468 pages, I can trace the scientific careers of many colleagues — where each one started and what each is currently working on. In this respect the book is more than a collage of almost perfect figures and tables: it is a family album, whose images speak not only of maize but also of those who have devoted their lives to the study of the phenomena represented here….

The publishers, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, have contributed significantly to the aesthetics of the final product by imposing no restrictions on the use of color. The book will be invaluable for maize specialists, but can also be highly recommended to all scientists who are interested in molecular, developmental and applied aspects of plant genetics. As is clearly stated by the authors themselves, all of the genes who mutants appear in this book have their counterparts in other monocots, and most have homologs in other plants."
      —Plant Science

  "Maize is the largest and most valuable crop in the U.S. As such, there is considerable research activity and interest regarding the molecular biology and genetic engineering of this grain…. This resource will be of considerable value for the maize research community. Recommended very highly for academic and institutional libraries maintaining collections in agriculture, agronomy, biology, biotechnology, genetics, horticulture, and molecular biology."
      —Choice

  "Mutants of Maize serves as an essential resource for the maize research community, as an introduction for new workers, and as a gallery of beautiful and monstrous mutants that should serve all plant biologists as a preview of many phenomena of which we should gain a deeper understanding in the years to come."
      —Trends in Plant Science

Dedication

Preface

Acknowledgements

Contributors

Introduction

Includes: A history of the Maize Genetic Cooperation and Newsletter. Information about the Maize Genetics Stock Center, Maize Genome Database, and Maize Genetics Conference. The complete text of the Standard for Maize Genetics Nomenclature

Chapter One: The Maize Organism

Includes: A pictorial description of the maize plant and kernel, followed by a photographic summary of maize megasporogenesis and microsporogenesis. The chromosomes, including mitotic metaphase, pachytene, and the cytological map. The genome, including comprehensive genetic maps with RFLP markers and maps of the chloroplast and mitochondria which present genes that are inherited separately from the chromosomes. The use of B-A reciprocal translocations and genetically marked T-wx translocations that are useful in locating mutants to chromosome, concluding with a two-page diagram showing some possible manipulations of these translocations and a two-page map showing cytological breakpoints, including the breakpoints for 23 wx-linked reciprocal translocations involving the A chromosomes that are used to locate dominant genes.

Chapter Two: Color Plates of Mutants

Includes: An extensive collection of superb color photographs of almost all of the well-established mutants that could be properly expressed in picture form, arranged as nearly as possible by chromosome position. Descriptions of changes other than single gene mutations, such as chromosome abnormalities, transposable elements, and other non-Mendelian inheritance.

Chapter Three: Gene Descriptions

Includes: Detailed descriptions of most of the gene loci in maize for which there is a verified mutant.

Chapter Four: Tables and Pathways

Includes: Summaries of various categories of mutants and interactions between certain groups of genes. A section on B-A aneuploidy. Five biochemical pathways.

Chapter Five: Cloned Genes

Includes: Current knowledge of the physical structure of genes that have been characterized at the molecular level.

Chapter Six: Non-mutation Effects

Includes: A brief description of some non-mutation effects to remind the investigator that not all phenotypic oddities are in fact of genetic origin.

Chapter Seven: Mutagenesis

Includes: A discussion of mutagenesis, an understanding of which is important to the serious study of mutants.

References