Question

What is phytochrome and why is it important?

Answer 1

Phytochrome:

1. These are photoreceptors/groups of proteins bound to light-absorbing pigments.
2. These receptors are activated by red or near-infrared radiations and are present in plants, fungi, and bacteria.
3. They can be classified into two types: Type 1, which is activated by far-red light, and type 2, which is activated by red light.

The function of phytochrome:

They serve to initiate various floral and developmental processes such as germination, chlorophyll synthesis, the timing of flowering, etc.