Researchers discovered how plants stop growth quickly when sudden stress appears, for example intense light or heat. The rapid response uses a biochemical pathway in cells that makes compounds needed for growth and survival.
Under stress, plants do not change gene expression first. Instead, enzymes already in the cell are chemically changed and their activity alters immediately. This quick change lets leaves react without waiting for new proteins to be made.
The fast response protects the plant. Over time, the plant then makes longer-term adjustments that often slow growth until conditions improve.
Difficult words
- stress — strong physical or environmental pressure
- intense — very strong or extreme in degree
- biochemical pathway — a series of chemical steps in living cells
- enzyme — a protein that speeds up chemical reactionsenzymes
- gene expression — the process that makes a gene product
- adjustment — a change to become better in new conditionsadjustments
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Discussion questions
- Have you seen a plant that looked stressed from heat or strong light? What did it look like?
- Why do you think slowing growth can help a plant during bad conditions?
- What sudden stresses for plants happen in your area (for example, heat or strong sun)?
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