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.

[www.aka.fi]