Biophoton distress flares signal the onset of the hypersensitive reaction.
Detection of biophoton emission, a natural bioluminescence, has emerged as a non-destructive method to mark the onset of the hypersensitive resistance reaction in Arabidopsis, bean and tomato. Rapid biophoton emission in Arabidopsis requires an intact R-gene signalling network and increased levels of cytosolic calcium and nitric oxide. The burst of biophotons precedes macroscopic symptoms by several hours and its timing is characteristic for specific gene-for-gene interactions. The ability to monitor biophoton emission from whole plants in real time should allow detailed dissection of plant defence responses.
Mansfield
John W
JW
Imperial College, Division of Biology, Wye Campus, Ashford, Kent, UK TN25 5AH. j.mansfield@ac.uk
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000276:immunology; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000276:immunology; D017785:Photons; D010935:Plant Diseases
D015415:Biomarkers