Which of the following is correct about phytochrome?a)Prabsorbs red li...
Phytochrome is a bright blue or bluish green pigment which was first of all isolated from plasma membrane of alga Mougeotias. Phytochrome is a photo receptor pigment that controls flowering. It exists in two interconvertible forms: P
fr or P
730 (absorbs far red light) and P
r or P
660 (absorbs red light).
By absorbing red light, P
r is converted into P
fr repidly. P
fr on absorbing far-red light is converted into P
r rapidly. P
fr is physiologically active form: P
r is inactive.

Which of the following is correct about phytochrome?a)Prabsorbs red li...
Phytochrome is a photoreceptor protein found in plants that is responsible for the detection of light. It plays a critical role in several aspects of plant growth and development, including seed germination, photoperiodism, and shade avoidance.
The correct answer to the question is option 'A', which states that Pr (phytochrome in its inactive form) absorbs red light and becomes Pfr (phytochrome in its active form). Let's understand this in detail:
Absorption of Light by Phytochrome:
- Phytochrome consists of two forms, Pr and Pfr, which differ in their absorption spectra.
- Pr absorbs maximum light at 660 nm (red light), while Pfr absorbs maximum light at 730 nm (far-red light).
- When Pr absorbs red light, it undergoes a structural change and is converted into Pfr. This conversion is called phototransformation.
Functions of Phytochrome:
- Phytochrome is involved in the regulation of several plant processes, including seed germination, stem elongation, leaf expansion, flowering, and shade avoidance.
- The conversion of Pr to Pfr triggers several physiological responses in plants, such as the opening of stomata, the activation of photosynthesis, and the inhibition of stem elongation.
- The ratio of red to far-red light in the environment is crucial for the regulation of these processes. For example, a high ratio of red to far-red light promotes the conversion of Pr to Pfr, which leads to plant growth inhibition and shade avoidance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Pr (phytochrome in its inactive form) absorbs red light and is converted into Pfr (phytochrome in its active form). This conversion triggers several physiological responses in plants that are essential for their growth and development.