An understanding of the processes of plant reproduction is increasingly important in the exploitation of plant resources. Microspore formation is a major event in the life cycles of land plants, allowing the transition from diploid sporophyte generation to the haploid gametophyte generation, and varies greatly between taxa in the diversity of processes involved. Despite the wealth of information available, there are very few sources which bring together the results of research work on the reproduction in all the major plant groups.**Microspores fills this gap by reviewing microsporogenesis from a systematic and evolutionary perspective in groups ranging from algae to angiosperms. Special chapters focus on structure, function, cell and molecular processes, and potential biotechnological applications of plant spores and pollen. The result is an up-to-date guide to the applications of modern techniques in the classic area of botany.**This work bridges several disciplines to provide a coherent and authoritative account which will be essential reading for research scientists and lecturers in botany, evolution, ultrastructure, reproductive and developmental biology, and palynology.