Presented here is an analysis of plant development and plant metabolism using the tools of genetics and molecular biology, such as mutant analysis, mutation tagging, mapping using polymorphic characters and basic
molecular biology techniques. Studies with a range of model genetic organisms, most notably maize and <I>Arabidopsis</I>, are included. The reader gains a comprehensive view of the subject which is more and more of
both scientific and industrial interest. The value of basic research in plants is highlighted and examples where basic studies have led to applications in agricultural biotechnology are given.<BR>