Plant Perception of Light

Flashcards covering key terminology related to how plants perceive and respond to light, based on the provided lecture notes.

Photoreceptor

A protein that detects light in plants, allowing them to respond to light conditions.

Phytochrome

A photoreceptor that detects mainly red and far-red light, existing in two interconvertible forms (Pr and Pfr).

Cryptochrome

A photoreceptor that absorbs UV-A and blue light, involved in regulating plant growth and flowering.

Phototropin

A photoreceptor that absorbs primarily UV-A and blue light, controlling phototropic responses.

CAB Gene

A gene whose expression is regulated by light, crucial for various plant responses.

luciferase

An enzyme used as a reporter in transgenic plants to visualize gene expression through luminescence.

Diurnal period

A cycle of 24 hours, which affects the expression of certain genes in relation to light.

Circadian rhythm

The internal biological clock that regulates physiological processes in living organisms over a roughly 24-hour cycle.

Flavonoids

Plant secondary metabolites synthesized in response to UV-B that protect against UV damage.

R:FR ratio

The ratio of red to far-red light detected by phytochrome, used by plants to sense proximity of neighbors.

Why are plants considered excellent experimental systems?

Plants are excellent experimental systems because they have relatively simple genomes, are easy to manipulate, and can be grown in controlled conditions to study genetic and environmental interactions.

What are some methods to introduce foreign genes into plants?

Methods include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistic (gene gun) transformation, and viral vector systems.

Why is gene expression important in plant growth and development?

Gene expression is crucial as it regulates processes like cell division, differentiation, and responses to environmental factors, affecting overall plant health and adaptability.

What is the significance of Arabidopsis in genetic studies?

Arabidopsis is a model organism in genetic research due to its small genome, short life cycle, and well-documented genetics, facilitating the understanding of gene function.

How do photoreceptors influence plant development?

Photoreceptors detect light, triggering signaling pathways that regulate various developmental processes such as seed germination, stem elongation, and flowering time.