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Phytochrome destruction: apparent inhibition by ethylene.
Plant Physiology
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Phytochrome destruction in oat shoots is immediate after light exposure in open containers. In closed containers, ethylene accumulation delays this destruction by about 40 minutes, explaining previous contradictory findings.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Photomorphogenesis
- Plant physiology
Background:
- Phytochrome mediates plant responses to light.
- Light-induced phytochrome destruction is a key process in photomorphogenesis.
- Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding the timing of phytochrome destruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the timing of phytochrome destruction in oat shoots.
- To explain the discrepancy in observed delays of phytochrome destruction.
Main Methods:
- Comparing phytochrome destruction rates in oat shoots grown in open versus closed containers.
- Measuring the delay in phytochrome destruction onset after actinic irradiation.
- Assessing the effect of mercuric perchlorate on the observed delay.
Main Results:
- Phytochrome destruction occurred immediately in oat shoots grown in open containers.
- A delay of approximately 40 minutes preceded phytochrome destruction in shoots grown in closed containers.
- This delay was eliminated by mercuric perchlorate, indicating ethylene's role.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene accumulation in closed containers delays light-induced phytochrome destruction in oat shoots.
- This ethylene-mediated delay reconciles contradictory findings on phytochrome destruction timing.
- Understanding this mechanism is crucial for plant photomorphogenesis research.