Abstract
The germination behavior of light-dependent seeds in response to temperature change, growth hormones, and chemical regulators displays broad and complex light requirements. Such treatments, as well as the varying soil temperature of the natural environment, induce high levels of germination in darkness, or very high light sensitivity for promotion of germination. One aspect of such behavior has been the absence of clear correlations between germination response and phototransformation of the photoreceptor, phytochrome. Interpretation of behavior in terms of underlying mechanisms has therefore been difficult. Research progress during the past decade in several laboratories now indicates the involvement of sensitization of the phototransduction system to very low levels of the active, far- red absorbing form of phytochrome, Pfr. Several lines of evidence now demonstrate phytochrome to be a molecular dimer. Studies of sensitization have led to the development and support of a dimeric model for the molecular action of phytochrome. Although additional direct evidence is yet required, these and related studies indicate a role of increased membrane fluidity in sensitization. This report summarizes progress and discusses some of the current questions in this research area.
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© 1989 Plenum Press, New York
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VanDerWoude, W.J. (1989). Phytochrome and Sensitization in Germination Control. In: Taylorson, R.B. (eds) Recent Advances in the Development and Germination of Seeds. NATO ASI Series, vol 187. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0617-7_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0617-7_14
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