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November 17, 2005

Scientists revealed the 3-D shape of phytochrome when it complexes with a light-sensing pigment.

Plants use light for photosynthesis and to help govern other basic responses including seed germination. Scientists have determined the 3D structure of the protein phytochrome when it complexes with a light-sensing pigment.

Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation (Illustration); J.R. Wagner, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.S. Brunzelle, Northwestern University; K.T. Forest and R.D. Vierstra, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Phytochrome Structure)


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