Research Shows Plants Find Light Using Cellular Sensors

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a way by which plants assess light to outgrow their neighbors. The study shows how the depletion of blue light detected by molecular sensors in plants triggers accelerated growth to overcome a competing plant.

The new study changes the previously believed concept that plants respond to diminished red light by activating the growth hormone auxin to outpace its neighbors. However, this is the first time researchers have shown that instead of changing auxin levels, plants use cellular sensors called cryptochromes that respond to diminished blue light by turning on genes promoting cell growth.

Cryptochromes are blue light-sensitive sensors responsible for plant growth and flowering. They were first identified in plants, but are also found in animals, and in both organisms, they are associated with circadian rhythm.

For more information, read the Salk News.