Magnetoreception: an unavoidable step for plant evolution?

Trends Plant Sci. 2014 Jan;19(1):1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2013.10.007. Epub 2013 Nov 12.

Abstract

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is steadily acting on living systems, and influences many biological processes. In animals, the mechanistic origin of the GMF effect has been clarified and cryptochrome has been suggested as a chemical magnetoreceptor. Here we propose a possible role for the GMF variations in plant evolution.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Cryptochromes / physiology*
  • Light
  • Magnetic Phenomena*
  • Plant Proteins / physiology
  • Plants / genetics*
  • Plants / radiation effects
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cryptochromes
  • Plant Proteins