Actin is an extremely abundant protein that comprises a dynamic polymeric network present in all eukaryotic cells, known as the actin cytoskeleton. The structure and function of the actin cytoskeleton, which is modulated by a plethora of actin-binding proteins, performs a diverse range of cellular roles. Well-documented functions for actin include: providing the molecular tracks for cytoplasmic streaming and organelle movements; formation of tethers that guide the cell plate to the division site during cytokinesis; creation of honeycomb-like arrays that enmesh and immobilize plastids in unique subcellular patterns; supporting the vesicle traffic and cytoplasmic organization essential for the directional secretory mechanism that underpins tip growth of certain cells; and coordinating the elaborate cytoplasmic responses to extra- and intracellular signals. The previous two decades have witnessed an immense accumulation of data relating to the cellular, biochemical, and molecular aspects of all these fundamental cellular processes. This prompted the editors to put together a diverse collection of topics, contributed by established international experts, related to the plant actin cytoskeleton. Because the actin cytoskeleton impinges on a multitude of processes critical for plant growth and development, as well as for responses to the environment, the book will be invaluable to any researcher, from the advanced undergraduate to the senior investigator, who is interested in these areas of plant cell biology.

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Preface. 1. The Significance of Diversity in the Plant Actin Gene Family; R.B. Meagher, et al. 2. Myosins; S. Reichelt, J. Kendrick-Jones. 3. Profilin; B.C. Gibbon, C.J. Staiger. 4. Actin Depolymerizing Factor; D.R. Kovar, C.J. Staiger. 5. Fimbrin; D.W. McCurdy, C.J. Staiger. 6. Characterization of Native Actin-Binding Proteins from Pollen; E. Yokota, T. Shimmen. 7. Sucrose Metabolism and the Actin Cytoskeleton: Susy as Actin-Binding Protein; H. Winter, S.C. Huber. 8. Actin in Protein Synthesis and Protein Body Formation; B. Stankovic, et al. 9. Cortical Actin Interacts with the Plasma Membrane and Microtubules; D.A. Collings, N.S. Allen. 10. Cytoplasmic Streaming: From Flow to Track; F. Grolig, E.S. Pierson. 11. Motility of Endoplasmic Reticulum in Plant Cells; I.K. Lichscheidl, F. Baluska. 12. Roles for Actin Filaments in Chloroplast Motility and Anchoring; S. Takagi. 13. Actin and Cytomorphogenesis in the Giant, Single-Celled Green Algae Acetabularia and Micrasterias; U. Lütz-Meindl, D. Menzel. 14. Actin in Characean Rhizoids and Protonemata; M. Braun, G.O. Wasteneys. 15. Actin in Characean Internodal Cells; I. Foissner, G.O. Wasteneys. 16. Organization and Functions of Actin in Hyphal Tip Growth; I.B. Heath. 17. Rho Gtpases and the Actin Cytoskeleton; H. Li, Z. Yang. 18. Actin in Pollen and Pollen Tubes; L. Vidali, P.K. Hepler. 19. Actin Rearrangements in Pollen Tubes are Stimulated by theSelf-Incompatibility (SI) Response in Papaver rhoeas L.; B.N. Snowman, et al. 20. The Actin Cytoskeleton During Differentiation of Microspores to Mature Pollen; L. Zonia. 21. Actin: A Target of Signal Transduction in Root Hairs; A.M.C. Emons, N. de Ruijter. 22. The Role of Actin During Arabidopsis Trichome Morphogenesis; D. Szymanski. 23. Actin in Formation of Stomatal Complexes; A.L. Cleary. 24. Structure and Function of Actin Filaments in Mature Guard Cells; J.-U. Hwang, et al. 25. Actin During Mitosis and Cytokinesis; A.-C. Schmitt. 26. Actin and Myosin VIII in Developing Root Apex Cells; F. Baluška, et al. 27. Actin and Signal-Controlled Cell Elongation in Coleoptiles; F. Waller, et al. 28. Actin and Myosin in Plasmodesmata; R.L. Overall, et al. 29. Interactions between Viral Movement Proteins and the Cytoskeleton; B.G. McLean, P.C. Zambryski. 30. Interactions between the Actin Cytoskeleton and an Auxin Transport Protein; G.K. Muday. 31. Actin Cytoskeleton Related to Gravisensing in Higher Plants; D. Volkmann, F. Baluška. 32. Plant Actin Cytoskeletal Responses to Attack and Invasion by Pathogenic Fungi; I. Kobayashi, Y. Kobayashi. 33. Actin in the Secondary Vascular System of Woody Plants; N. Chaffey, P.W. Barlow. 34. Methods for Detection and Identification of F-Actin in Fixed and Permeabilized Plant Tissues; E.B. Blancaflor, K.H. Hasenstein. 35. Steedman's Wax for F-actin Visualization; S. Vitha, et al. 36. Non-Invasive F-Act