phytochrome
/ˈfaɪtəˌkroʊm/
noun
- A pigment in plants that detects light and helps control growth and development, such as seed germination and flowering.
- Without phytochrome, plants would not be able to respond to changes in light.
- Phytochrome tells a plant when it's time to flower based on the length of daylight.
- Scientists discovered that phytochrome helps seeds know when to sprout.