Red, far-red response & chlorophyll synthesis

Abstract

The data characterize the development of the chlorophyll synthesizing mechanism as one of the many morphological and physiological responses subject to the mediation of the red, far-red photoreceptor. The rate of chlorophyll synthesis in etiolated leaves can be influenced by a short preirradiation with red and far-red radiant energy. The induced stimulatory effect of a red pre-treatment can be nullified by a subsequent exposure to far-red administered either immediately after the red induction exposure or even after the interposition of several hours of darkness. When red and far-red are administered alternately for several cycles, the quality of the terminal treatment determines the level of response.