After division, plant cells are able to increase their volume enormously by cell expansion, making the expanding cell a crucial player in the production of biomass. The study of plant cell expansion involves many different disciplines and technical approaches, and this book is the first attempt to bring this diversity together to present a multifaceted view of the most up-to-date knowledge. Included are data ranging from biophysical measurements and chemical analysis to molecular biological approaches and microscopy. The Expanding Cell combines up-to-date information, and offers a snapshot of the current state of knowledge.

Jean-Pierre Verbelen studied Botany (M.Sc., 1969) at the University of Gent and obtained his PhD in 1976 at the University of Antwerpen, where he actually is Professor at the Department of Biology. Major research interests are plant development, cell expansion and cytoskeleton involvement.

Kris Vissenberg studied Biology (M.Sc., 1997) and obtained his PhD at the University of Antwerpen in 2001. Actually he is a post-doc at the Fund for Scientific Research – Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen). Major research interest are cell expansion, cell wall metabolism and general plant development.