Genetic Screen to Identify Mutations that Lead to Light Hypersensitivity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

A plant's ability to perceive and respond to both the quantity and quality of light is essential for healthy growth and development. One way in which plants respond to changing light conditions is via their perception of red (~680 nm) and far red (~730 nm) wavelengths of light. To do this, plants rely on a group of photoreceptors known as phytochromes (PHYs). PHYs mediate a variety of light responses, including de-etiolation and shade avoidance responses. The purpose of this study was to identify mutations which exacerbate the red light hypersensitivity conferred by the lrb1 lrb2 mutations using a genetic enhancer screen in order to find other actors in red light signaling.