Photomorphogenesis

In developmental biology, photomorphogenesis is light-mediated development, where plant growth patterns respond to the light spectrum. This is a completely separate process from photosynthesis where light is used as a source of energy. Phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins are photochromic sensory receptors that restrict the photomorphogenic effect of light to the UV-A, UV-B, blue, and red portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.[1]

The photomorphogenesis of plants is often studied by using tightly frequency-controlled light sources to grow the plants. There are at least three stages of plant development where photomorphogenesis occurs: seed germination, seedling development, and the switch from the vegetative to the flowering stage (photoperiodism).[2]

Most research on photomorphogenesis is derived from plants studies involving several kingdoms: Fungi, Monera, Protista, and Plantae.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Hans Mohr (6 December 2012). Lectures on Photomorphogenesis. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 4, 178, 183–184. ISBN 978-3-642-65418-3.
  3. ^ "Photomorphogenesis". photobiology.info. Retrieved 2018-12-07.