InterPro domain: IPR037476

In plants, a photoreceptor called phytochrome B (phyB) responds to red light and regulates the ability of plants to grow. PCH1 (At2g16365) regulates photoperiod-responsive growth by integrating the plant clock with light perception pathways. PCH1 stabilizes the structure of phyB so that it remains active, even in the dark. This prolonged activity acts as a molecular memory of prior exposure to light and helps to prevent plants from growing too much in the winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight. PCH1 is also found in other species of plants [ 1 ].

1. PCH1 integrates circadian and light-signaling pathways to control photoperiod-responsive growth in Arabidopsis. Elife 5, e13292