Until 2004 Ulrich Lüttge taught at the Institute for Botany at the TU Darmstadt. He is an experienced teacher and has been managing this work with Manfred Kluge for over 20 years. The team of authors knows how to repeatedly combine current topics with solid basic knowledge in a fascinating way. Ulrich Lüttge»s group is concerned with membrane physiology and biochemistry, circadian rhythms among photosynthesis processes as well as the antioxidative defense system of plants. Manfred Kluge taught at the Institute for Botany at the TU Darmstadt until 2003. His research focuses on the biochemical and biophysical fundamentals of plant adaptation to ecological Stress, with an emphasis on a shortage of water and mineral nutrients, increased temperatures and salt contamination.