Phytochrome Control of Maize Coleoptile Section Elongation: the Role of Cell Wall Extensibility

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Abstract
Maize (Z. mays) coleoptile section cell wall extensibility was stimulated by red light [R]. This stimulation was largely removed by simultaneous or immediately subsequent far-red [FR] treatment. Qualitatively similar patterns of response occurred at 0.degree. C and 20.degree. C. Plastic extensibility responded more than elastic extensibility after R treatment. R-induced extensibility increases were detectable by 20 min after irradiation, and extensibility continued to increase up to at least 1 h after irradiation. The kinetics of escape from FR reversibility indicate that the initial events leading to this phenomenon are among the fastest known phytochrome responses.