Inspired by recent advances in this post-genomic era, the contributors of this collection of articles focus on the common developmental process and compile tools and methods designed for studying the creation of plant embryos. They include step-by-step laboratory procedures and detailed outlines of embryonic systems models with cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms suitable for those new in the field as well as those needing up-to-date information. They describe model embryonic systems ranging from maize and spruce to Arabidopsis, offer mechanisms from in vitro fertilization with isolated higher plant gametes to the culturing of Arambidosis and barley, laser-capture microdissection techniques, promoter trapping systems, visualization of auxin gradients, intercellular tracking of macromolecules, immunolocalization of proteins in somatic embryos, and detection of programmed cell death in plant embryos. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)