Phototropins are a class of blue light receptors found in plants, fungi, and certain algae. They play a crucial role in mediating various physiological responses to light, particularly blue light. The primary functions of phototropins include: 1. **Phototropism**: Phototropins are involved in the growth responses of plants to light direction, allowing them to bend towards light sources. This maximizes light absorption for photosynthesis.
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A phototropin is a blue-light-responsive receptor with kinase activity that regulates responses including phototropism, chloroplast relocation and stomatal opening. Light perception changes intracellular regulation, which in turn alters movement or growth.
Mutants defective in the chloroplast high-light avoidance response identified a phototropin homologue required for that response. Comparing movement under strong and weak light helps separate avoidance from the different response of positioning chloroplasts to capture light.[ref]