Control of Light‐Induced Carotenoid Synthesis in Raphanus Seedlings by Phytochrome

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of short pulses of red and or far‐red light on the formation of individual carotenoids was tested in etiolated radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L.). Red light induces an enhanced synthesis of β‐carotene, lutein. violaxanthin and neoxanthin, while the level of antheraxanthin is decreased. Far‐red light reverses the red light effects to the level of the far‐red light control. The data indicate that in radish seedlings active phytochrome Pfr initiates the light‐induced carotenoid synthesis, which is bound to thylakoid formation.