PIGMENT CONVERSION IN THE FORMATIVE RESPONSES OF PLANTS TO RADIATION

Abstract
Variations of physiological response with the fraction of pigment conversion as obtained from the reversibility and the first-order character of the conversion with respect to energy in the controlling reversible photoreaction were measured for intermode lengthening and seed germination. Knowledge of this fraction permitted calculation of absorption coefficients and quantum efficiencies for pigment conversion. The method is a general one applicable to photoperiodism and other responses controlled by the reversible photoreaction.