Department of Biology

Seeing the Light: Spatiotemporal Photoregulation of Photosynthesis and Growth

Dr. Beronda Montgomery

February 3, 2021
4-5pm

Hosted By Dean John Kiss

Photosynthetic organisms depend upon light for carbon fixation and production of reductant. Thus, the ability of these organisms to adapt to changes in the photoenvironment is critical. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms have diverse mechanisms for light perception and exhibit numerous light-dependent growth and developmental responses. Notably, light exposure results in distinct responses in specific plant tissues. Light promotes growth of cotyledons and leaves, as well as development and elongation of roots, whereas light inhibits elongation of hypocotyls and stems. Phytochromes are one of the most well-known plant photoreceptors coordinating the aforementioned tissue-and organ-specific plant responses. The Montgomery laboratory explores the distinct roles of phytochromes in coordinating these spatial-specific responses and explores the associated fitness or survival implications.