phytochrome
1 of 1noun/ˈfaɪətəkroʊm/
Forms:phytochromes
1
a special protein in plants that can sense light and help control how the plant grows, develops, and responds to changes in light and temperature
- Phytochrome helps plants know when to start growing.
- Scientists study phytochrome to understand plant behavior.
- Light changes the shape of the phytochrome protein.
- Phytochrome tells the plant when to make flowers.
- Without phytochrome, plants might grow at the wrong time.