Absence of pfr destruction in the modulation of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase synthesis of mustard cotyledons

The relationship between the amount of active phytochrome (Pfr) produced by 5-minute light pulses and the rate of subsequent enzyme accumulation (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, EC 4.3.1.5) of mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cotyledons was investigated. The response rapidly adjusts to changes of the Pfr level produced by light pulses of different wavelengths. Regardless of total phytochrome levels in the cotyledons, response adjustments to new photostationary states (_λ) are correlated with _α values. On the other hand, the kinetics of enzyme accumulation shows no influence of Pfr destruction as determined spectrophotometrically (τ_½ = 45 min) in the same organ (see Schäfer et al. 1973 Photochem Photobiol 18: 331-334). It is concluded that the phytochrome molecules involved in the regulation of this response by light pulses comprise a small fraction of the total phytochrome of the cotyledons. In contrast to bulk phytochrome this fraction appears to be not subject to Pfr destruction.