The Plant Cell, which is published monthly (one volume per year) by the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), is in its 13th year of publication. Within three years of its initial publication, The Plant Cell ranked first in impact among journals publishing primary research in the plant sciences. It has continued to maintain this standard of excellence ever since. The Plant Cell was founded on four key tenets: (1) to publish the most exciting, cutting-edge research in plant cellular and molecular biology, (2) to provide the most rapid turn-around time possible for reviewing and publishing a research paper, (3) to feature the highest quality reproduction of data, and (4) to provide, in the front section of the journal, a more interactive format for commentaries, opinion pieces, and the exchange of information and ideas in review articles, meeting reports, and insightful overviews of featured research papers. Moreover, our all-review issues, each of which focuses on a specific area of plant biology, are highly regarded teaching and reference tools. Those highlighting Plant-Microbe Interactions and Plant Vegetative Development are available for purchase by individuals.