Biological Science
Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 40, Problem 1TYK
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Phytochrome is a blue-green pigment present in the plants. It helps the plants to respond in the presence of red and far-red light.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

The phytochrome is not involved in guard-cell opening.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:

Option (d) is given that phytochrome is not involved in guard-cell opening. The opening and closing of the stomata is managed by the guard cells. In the presence of light, the guard cells pick up water from the environment through the process of osmosis, which makes them turgid. It is so because the inner walls are tough and rigid. These walls are pulled apart, thereby opening the pore. The phytochrome has no role in the opening or closing of the guard cells. Hence, Option (d) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that phytochrome is not photoreversible. The phytochrome belongs to the class of photoreceptors, which is used by the plants in order to detect the light and change conformation. It is sensitive toward the light that is present in the red or far-red portion of the visible spectrum. The light absorption alters the shape of the photoreceptor pigment. Therefore, this switching behavior of the cells on the basis of light is known as photoreversibility. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given that phytochrome’s function was not understood long before the protein itself was isolated. The function of the phytochrome, that is, its role in photoperiodism, was understood prior to the isolation of the protein. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given that Pfr (phytochrome far-red) form of phytochrome does not activate the responses to red light. The photoreversibility was seen when a molecule named Pfr was exposed to the far-red light. The molecule absorbed the light leading to the conformational change in the shape of the molecule. Therefore, phytochrome is affected by the light. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The pigment phytochrome helps the plants to respond to the red/far-red light and exhibits the property of photoreversibility, and the function of phytochrome was understood long before the protein was isolated. Phytochrome is not involved in the opening of the guard cells.

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Students have asked these similar questions
a. What are the two basic components of phytochrome?  b. Explain how phytochrome responds to different wavelengths of light. How does this account for the phenomenon of photoreversibilty?
The figure attached shows an open stoma during a gaseous exchange process in a plant. A) What is 'y'? B) Elaborate the gaseous exchange process in plants by considering the influence of 'y' on the turgidity of guard cells.
Which cells are responsible for the movement of photosynthates through a plant? a. tracheids, vessel elements b. tracheids, companion cells c. vessel elements, companion cells d. sieve-tube elements, companion cells
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