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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Plant Gene Expression Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #274580
Title: Phytochrome functions in Arabiopsis development

Author
item FRANKLIN, KEARA - University Of Bristol
item QUAIL, PETER - University Of California

Submitted to: Journal of Experimental Botany
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2009
Publication Date: 1/20/2010
Citation: Franklin, K.A., Quail, P.H. 2010. Phytochrome functions in Arabiopsis development. Journal of Experimental Botany. 61:11-24.

Interpretive Summary: The evolution of multiple phytochrome photoreceptors has enhanced plant sensitivity to fluctuating light environments, diversifying phytochrome function, and facilitating conditional crosstalk with other signaling systems. The isolation of null mutants, deficient in all individual phytochromes, has greatly advanced understanding of phytochrome functions in the model species, Arabidopsis thaliana. The creation of mutants null for multiple phytochrome combinations has enabled the dissection of redundant interactions between family members, revealing novel regulatory roles for this important photoreceptor family. In this review, current Knowledge of phytochrome functions in the light-regulated development of Arabidopsis is summarized.

Technical Abstract: Light signals are fundamental to the growth and development of plants. Red and far-red light are sensed using the phytochrome family of plant photoreceptors. Individual phytochromes display both unique and overlapping roles throughout the life cycle of plants, regulating a range of developmental processes from seed germination to the timing of reproductive development.