The evolution and survival of virtually all living organisms entail interaction with radiant energy. Animal vision and plant photosynthesis are photobiological examples of such interaction and these processes represent two of the better understood photophysiobiogical processes of animals and plants respectively. In addition to photosynthesis, plans exhibit a variety of represents to blue and/or red light. Over one hundred different responses of plants to light have been observed in the form of developmental and morphogenetic changes. The discovery of phytochrome in the 1950s represses a milestone in the developing field of plant photobiology.

My aim in writing Molecular Biology of phytochrome has been to present an up-to-date picture of the phytochrome. I have not attempted a chronological description, believing that a mechanistic account is more useful for such as highly developed field. The molecular approach has been used throughout the whole book, since the author feels that only by pinpointing mechanisms at the molecular level can real procession and understanding be achieved. This book is an attempt to interest aspiring research workers in a subject of great fundamental and practical importance, and one which transcends the boundaries of biology, biochemistry and biophysical.