Because of the great variety of problems which this genus presents to biologists, Oenothera belongs to the best-known genera of plants not used economically. This book summarizes today's knowledge of Oenothera's genetics and related fields like caryology and cytogenetics. It is further of great value for all those whose research topics are based on genetics, such as developmental and evolutionary biology.

Inhalt

1 Introduction.- 2 Some Things to Know Before Starting Experiments on Oenothera.- 2.1 A Plant Enters Science.- 2.2 A Short History of Research on Oenothera.- 2.3 Who is Who in Oenothera? or: What's in a Name.- 2.4 Pedigree of Genetically Used Stocks of Oenothera.- 2.5 Geographical Distribution of the Genus.- 3 Morphology.- 3.1 Vegetative Parts.- 3.2 Flowers.- 4 Genetics of Oenothera.- 4.1 Investigations Using the Methods of Classical Genetics in Oenothera.- 4.1.1 Genetic Analysis of Oenothera.- 4.1.2 Introduction of a Special Terminology.- 4.1.3 The Renner Complexes.- 4.1.4 How To Be a Constant Hybrid.- 4.1.5 Renner Complexes and Genes in Oenothera.- 4.1.6 Gene Loci and Linkage in Oenothera.- 4.1.7 Variability of Crossing-Over Frequency in Oenothera.- 4.1.8 Unexpected Segregation Ratios and Competition Between Genotypes.- 4.1.9 Incompatibility.- 4.1.10 Selective Fertilization.- 4.1.11 The Genetic Model.- 4.1.12 Limitation of the Genetic Method.- 4.2 Karyology of Oenothera.- 4.2.1 General Considerations.- 4.2.2 Mitosis.- 4.2.3 Meiosis.- 4.2.4 Facts and Artefacts.- 4.2.5 Oenothera Specialities.- 4.2.6 The Basis of Chromosome Catenation.- 4.2.7 Chromosomes and Translocations, or: Chromosomes Unlimited.- 4.2.8 Pairing Behaviour of Translocated Chromosomes.- 4.2.9 Physiology of Meiosis and Chiasmata.- 4.2.10 Meiosis in Polyploids.- 4.2.11 Meiosis in Aneuploids.- 4.2.12 Some Additional Observations.- 4.2.13 The Karyological Model.- 4.2.14 Limitation of the Karyological Method.- 4.3 Cytogenetics of Oenothera.- 4.3.1 Combination of Two Methods.- 4.3.2 Renner Complexes and Chromosome Circles.- 4.3.3 Genetic Segregation and Chromosome Catenation.- 4.3.4 Chromosome Catenation and Crossing-Over.- 4.3.5 Trisomics.- 4.3.6 Evolution of Translocations.- 4.3.7 The Cytogenetic Model of Oenothera.- 4.3.8 The Limitation of the Cytogenetic Methods.- 4.4 Mutations and Mutation Theory.- 4.4.1 The Start of Mutation Research.- 4.4.2 The Mutants of Oenothera.- 4.4.2.1 Polyploids.- 4.4.2.2 Trisomics.- 4.4.2.3 Chromosomal Translocations and Lethals.- 4.4.2.4 Gene Mutations.- 4.4.2.5 Summary: The Role of Spontaneous Mutations in Oenothera.- 4.4.3 Experimental Mutagenesis.- 4.4.3.1 Gene Conversion or Multiple Mutable Alleles?.- 4.4.3.2 Radiation and Temperature as Mutagens.- 4.4.3.3 Chemical Mutagenesis.- 4.5 Genes Without Chromosomes: Extrachromosomal Inheritance.- 4.5.1 The Plastome.- 4.5.2 Plastome Mutations.- 4.5.3 Molecular Biology of the Plastome.- 4.5.4 Evolution of the Plastomes.- 4.5.5 Mitochondria.- 4.5.6 Still More Extrachromosomal Factors.- 4.5.7 The Model of Extrachromosomal Genetics in Oenothera.- 5 The Species Concept in Oenothera and Evolution of the Genus.- 5.1 Genetics and Taxonomy.- 5.2 Some Aspects of Taxonomy of the Genus Oenothera.- 5.3 Oenothera in Europe.- 6 Developmental Biology of Oenothera.- 6.1 General Aspects.- 6.2 The Sporophyte.- 6.2.1 Embryogenesis.- 6.2.2 Development of the Seed.- 6.2.3 Germination.- 6.2.4 Development of the Seedling.- 6.2.5 Development of Shoot and Leaves.- 6.2.6 The Flowering Process.- 6.2.7 Development of the Flower.- 6.2.7.1 General Aspects.- 6.2.7.2 Sepals and Petals.- 6.2.7.3 Hypanthium.- 6.2.7.4 Stamens and Anthers.- 6.2.7.4.1 Normal Development.- 6.2.7.4.2 Male Sterility.- 6.2.7.5 Ovary and Ovules.- 6.2.7.6 More Mutants.- 6.2.7.7 Stigma.- 6.2.7.8 The End of Flower Development.- 6.2.8 Still more Genes.- 6.2.9 Summary: Development of the Sporophyte.- 6.3 Plastomes and Development.- 6.3.1 Plastides in Gametophytes, Embryos and Meristems.- 6.3.2 The Pale Plants.- 6.3.3 The Pale Plastids.- 6.3.4 Plastid Development in Plastome Mutants.- 6.4 Developmental Biology of the Haploid Generation.- 6.4.1 Why Are the Haploids So Importants.- 6.4.2 Development of Megaspores and the Female Gametophyte.- 6.4.2.1 Ovules and Embryo Sacs.- 6.4.2.2 Competition Between Megaspores and Embryo Sacs (or Catch as Catch can).- 6.4.2.3 Genetics of the Development of Polarity.- 6.4.2.4 Polarity in the Megaspore Tetrad and Genetic Competition.- 6.4.3 Development of the Pollen Grain and the Male Gametophyte.- 6.4.3.1 From Meiocyte to Pollen Grain.- 6.4.3.2 Development of Pollen in Male-Sterile Anthers.- 6.4.3.3 Metabolism in Developing Pollen Grains.- 6.4.3.4 Pollen Grains and Embryos, Comparable Developmental Stages?.- 6.4.3.5 Germination of Pollen Grains and Growth of Pollen Tubes in the Style and Ovary of Oenothera.- 6.4.3.6 Elimination of Male Gametophytes.- 6.4.3.7 Differential Growth Rate of Pollen Tubes and Competition Between Pollen Tubes.- 6.4.3.8 Physiology of Incompatibility.- 6.5 Fertilization, Selective and Otherwise.- 6.6 The Developmental Model of Oenothera.- 7 Propagation System and Evolution in Oenothera.- Summary.- Postscript: The End is a Start.- References.- Author Index.- Species Index.