Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 39 - Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals
Campbell - Campbell Biology 11th Edition
Urry11th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9789357423311Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 39, Problem 5

The signaling molecule for flowering might be released earlier than usual in a long-day plant exposed to flashes of:
a. Far-red light during the night
b. Red light during the night
c. Red light followed by far-red light during the night.
d. Far-red light during the day

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of photoperiodism, which is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night. In plants, this often affects flowering.
Recognize that long-day plants require a longer duration of daylight to initiate flowering. They typically flower when the night is shorter than a critical length.
Identify the role of phytochromes, which are light receptors in plants that detect red and far-red light. Phytochromes exist in two forms: Pr (absorbs red light) and Pfr (absorbs far-red light).
Know that exposure to red light converts Pr to Pfr, which is the active form that promotes flowering in long-day plants. Conversely, far-red light converts Pfr back to Pr, inhibiting flowering.
Analyze the options: a flash of red light during the night would convert Pr to Pfr, potentially triggering flowering in long-day plants by simulating a shorter night. Therefore, consider how each option affects the Pr/Pfr balance and the plant's perception of night length.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
5m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Photoperiodism

Photoperiodism is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night. In plants, it influences flowering and other developmental processes. Long-day plants require longer daylight periods to initiate flowering, and manipulating light exposure can alter their flowering time.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:34
Photoderiodism

Phytochrome System

The phytochrome system is a light-sensitive mechanism in plants that detects red and far-red light. Phytochromes exist in two forms: Pr (red light-absorbing) and Pfr (far-red light-absorbing). The conversion between these forms regulates plant responses to light, including flowering, by affecting gene expression.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:19
Immune System

Red and Far-Red Light Effects

Red and far-red light have distinct effects on plant physiology due to their interaction with phytochromes. Red light converts Pr to Pfr, promoting processes like flowering in long-day plants, while far-red light reverses this conversion. Alternating exposure to these lights can manipulate flowering signals, impacting the timing of flowering.
Recommended video:
Guided course
15:15
Steps of the Light Reactions