cryptochrome

(noun)

any of several light-sensitive flavoproteins, in the protoreceptors of plants, that regulate germination, elongation, and photoperiodism

Related Terms

Examples of cryptochrome in the following topics:

  • Blue Light Response

    • The protein-based receptors, phototropins and cryptochromes, sense blue light to alter plant physiology accordingly.
    • Cryptochromes are another class of blue-light absorbing photoreceptors.
    • Cryptochromes set the plant's circadian rhythm (the 24-hour activity cycle) using blue light receptors.
    • There is some evidence that cryptochromes work by sensing light-dependent redox reactions and that, together with phototropins, they mediate the phototropic response.