Phytochromes

Phytochromes are natural light-sensitive proteins found in plants that help them sense and respond to different light conditions. They act as biological switches, detecting red and far-red light, and trigger changes in plant growth, development, and timing—such as seed germination, flowering, and leaf expansion. By converting light signals into internal cues, phytochromes enable plants to adapt to their environment, optimizing their life cycle for survival and reproduction.