Transduction mechanisms of photoreceptor signals in plant cells

During a plant life, light is necessary not only as a source of energy, but also as a regulatory factor of plant metabolism with information signal function. In this review we consider basic links of primary stages of light signal transduction in higher plants. The transformation circuits and possible pathways of photoreceptor light signal transduction, as well as possible roles of photoreceptor-interacting proteins, secondary messengers and some transcriptional factors are discussed. The review is also focused on examination of rapid signaling events such as activation of ion exchange systems as well as interaction of photoreceptors in signaling pathways.