E-Book Overview
Plants utilize light not only for photosynthesis but also as environmental signals. They are capable of perceiving wavelength, intensity, direction, duration, and other attributes of light to perform appropriate physiological and developmental changes. This volume presents overviews of and the latest findings in many of the interconnected aspects of plant photomorphogenesis, including photoreceptors (phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins), signal transduction, photoperiodism, and circadian rhythms, in 42 chapters. Also included, is a prologue by Prof. Masaki Furuya that gives an overview of the historical background. With contributions from preeminent researchers in specific subjects from around the world, this book will be a valuable source for a range of scientists from undergraduate to professional levels.
E-Book Content
M. Wada, K. Shimazaki, M. Iino (Eds.) Light Sensing in Plants
M. Wada · K. Shimazaki · M. Iino (Eds.)
Light Sensing in Plants With 46 figures, including 4 in color
The Botanical Society of Japan
Masamitsu Wada, Dr. Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University 1-1 Minami Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Ken-ichiro Shimazaki, Dr. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University Ropponmatsu, Fukuoka 810-8560, Japan Moritoshi Iino, Ph.D. Botanical Gardens, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University 2000 Kisaichi, Katano, Osaka 576-0004, Japan
Library of Congress Control Number: 2004117723
ISBN 4-431-24002-0 Springer-Verlag Tokyo Berlin Heidelberg New York This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in other ways, and storage in data banks. The use of registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. Springer is a part of Springer Science+Business Media springeronline.com © Yamada Science Foundation and Springer-Verlag Tokyo 2005 Printed in Japan Typesetting: SNP Best-set Typesetter Ltd., Hong Kong Printing and binding: Hicom, Japan Printed on acid-free paper
Preface
Plants utilize light not only for photosynthesis but also for monitoring changes in environmental conditions essential to their survival. Wavelength, intensity, direction, duration, and other attributes of light are used by plants to predict imminent seasonal change and to determine when to initiate physiological and developmental alterations. Most plants sense red/far-red light and blue light through photoreceptors: phytochromes detect red/far-red light, while there are several kinds of blue-light receptors, including cryptochromes, phototropins, and ZLP/FKF/LKP/ADO. The typical phytochrome responses known as red/far-red photoreversible phenomena were discovered in 1952 by Borthwick et al. and the phytochrome was characterized as a chromoprotein in 1959 by Butler et al. However, blue-light receptors were not identified until cryptochrome was found in 1993 by Cashmore’s group. Now we are in an exceptional period of discovery of blue-light receptors such as phototropins, ZLP/FKF/LKP/ADO, and PAC in Euglena. Thus, it is very timely to publish this book on light sensing and signal transduction in plant photomorphogenesis written by leading scientists gathered at Okazaki from all over the world in June 2004. It was a great opportunity to discuss new discoveries in the field. It also marked the retirement of Prof. Masaki Furuya, who has contributed substantially to this field for many years. This volume, published as part of the special-issue series o