Plant Circadian Clocks Increase Photosynthesis, Growth, Survival, and Competitive Advantage by Anthony Dodd - Article Example

Although indirect evidence exists that plants derive physiological benefit through circadian rhythms under naturally short photoperiods, the basis of their advantageous contribution to plants is not known. This study investigated the basis of this advantage. It was found that plants perform better photosynthesis by matching the circadian clock with the light and dark cycles. It is observed that plants whose circadian clocks are synchronized with the external cycle have more chlorophyll, grow faster, fix more carbon, and are better survivors compared to plants whose circadian clocks are not synchronized with the environment.

The plant’s productivity is also found to double when the circadian clock is synchronized with the environment. Therefore, it is apparent that circadian control confers competitive benefits to the plant. Exactly how the plants match their endogenous circadian clock period with the period of exogenous light-dark cycles is not clear. Another question that can be asked regarding this study is what is the mechanism by which the synchronization of circadian clocks results in more chlorophyll, more photosynthesis, etc.