寄生植物の光応答に関する生理生化学的研究(奨励賞)

概要

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In angiosperms, approximately 1%, ca, 4,500 species are parasitic. Parasitic plants can be classified as to their photosynthesis status. Hemiparasites retain photosynthetic ability. On the other hand, holoparasites lack photosynthetic ability and obtain all their carbon from their hosts. In these parasitic species, selective pressure to maintain photosynthetic ability had been released. Photoresponses of plants which are important to optimize photosynthesis for green plants are not necessary in holoparasites. Photoresponses are also involved in the regulation of plant development such as germination process. Studies on photoresponses of parasitic plants, Orobanche minor and Striga hermonthica revealed that the pattern of their photoresponses are unique and had been modified for adaptation to its parasitic life cycle. Molecular analysis of their red/far-red light photoreceptor phytochrome A (phyA) also demonstrated that the alteration of their amino acid sequences and associated molecular function. Elucidation of altered components in phy signaling in the parasitic plants will provide useful information not only about its physiological characteristics but also about general plant photoreception systems.
2010-10-01