New Atom-Scale Knowledge on the Function of Plant Photosensors

Scientists from University of Jyväskylä in Finland and University of Gothenburg in Sweden have worked together to understand how light-sensitive proteins in plant cells change when they sense light. The proteins involved is collectively known as the phytochrome family, found in all plant leaves. These proteins sense the presence of light and inform the cell whether it is day or night, or whether the plant is in the shade or the sun.

Phytochromes have a three-dimensional molecular structure which changes when light is absorbed. Sebastian Westenhoff of the University of Gothenburg said they now know how the structure changes when light is absorbed, adding that the complete molecule is rebuilt. The discovery helped the scientists understand better how phytochromes work and they are hoping that it will lead to new strategies in developing crops which may be able to grow where there is little light.

For more about this research, read the news releases available at: http://www.aka.fi/en-GB/A/Academy-of-Finland/Media-services/Releases1/New-atom-scale-knowledge-on-the-function-of-biological-photosensors-/ and http://www.science.gu.se/english/News/News_detail/light-sensitive--eyes--in-plants.cid1217463.