Scientists can track some gene activity by using a phosphorescent marker. When the gene is activated, a glow is visible, in, in this case, the plant. The following quote is from a review of an upcoming article in Nature Cell Biology, a professional journal.
The scientists used a bioluminescent 'reporter' to follow the activity of the Early Flowering gene (ELF4) in plants so when the gene was activated the plants would glow. The plants showed a daily rhythm of luminescence and the academics were able to determine how the cycle of ELF4 activity was regulated.
"In almost all organisms there exists a daily clock known as the circadian clock which regulates many metabolic, development and physiological processes,"..."Rather than just responding to dawn or dusk, the circadian clock is an internal rhythm which allows anticipation of these changes.
"Our own body's daily rhythms are one example but plants can also 'tell the time'. They can prepare their metabolism for photosynthesis before the sun rises or for the chill of night before the sun sets. Many plants also use their circadian clock to measure day length and so determine when to flower."
The scientists used a bioluminescent 'reporter' to follow the activity of the Early Flowering gene (ELF4) in plants so when the gene was activated the plants would glow. The plants showed a daily rhythm of luminescence and the academics were able to determine how the cycle of ELF4 activity was regulated.
"In almost all organisms there exists a daily clock known as the circadian clock which regulates many metabolic, development and physiological processes,"..."Rather than just responding to dawn or dusk, the circadian clock is an internal rhythm which allows anticipation of these changes.
"Our own body's daily rhythms are one example but plants can also 'tell the time'. They can prepare their metabolism for photosynthesis before the sun rises or for the chill of night before the sun sets. Many plants also use their circadian clock to measure day length and so determine when to flower."
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