Phytochrome, metabolism and growth plasticity

Phytochromes are plant photoreceptors that can sense red and far-red light, as-well-as the ratio of these light qualities.  This review examines the relationship between phytochrome signalling and carbon metabolism.  Krahmer et al. assess the influence of phytochrome signalling on the synthesis of chlorophyll and carotenoids, the establishment of photosynthesis, the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins, primary carbon metabolism, physiology, and plant growth and biomass.  The authors also address the role of the phytochrome system in sensing the endogenous carbon status of plants, as well-as how it intersects with retrograde signalling pathways.  (Summary by Mike Page) Plant Physiol. 10.1104/pp.17.01437