Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have unraveled how
plants respond to different light intensities and temperatures that
could help create a better adaptation of crops toclimate change.

The researchers have characterized and compared the biochemical levels
of the phytochrome family of Arabidopsis, maize, and potatoes. They
found that different expression levels of isoforms in the phytochromes
work collectively to signal the photoreceptors in plants to respond
differently to light intensity and temperature.  This process allows the
plants to adapt to various kinds of environments.

The researchers have also identified two isoforms of phytochrome, PhyA
and PhyB. PhyA activates during low levels of light while PhyB activates
during full exposure to sunlight. The discovery of these isoforms could
have a bigger role in the threat of global warming because the
researchers could use these to modify the light and temperature response
of crops to produce better yields.

Made in the shade or fun in the sun | The Source | Washington University
in St. Louis (wustl.edu)
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