Citation
Phytochrome and Plant Growth
TL;DR
Phytochromes are light-sensing proteins that distinguish sunlight from shade
This foundational text on phytochrome biology explains how plants sense light quality to make developmental decisions. Phytochromes distinguish red light (sunlight) from far-red light (shade), allowing seeds to detect whether they're in full sun or under a competitor's canopy.
This mechanism directly parallels competitive sensing in business - detecting whether you're launching into an open market (full sun) or into an already-occupied niche (shade). Color Labs' failure illustrates germinating in shade, while LinkedIn's success shows germinating in available light.
Key Findings from Kendrick & Frankland (1983)
- Phytochromes are light-sensing proteins that distinguish sunlight from shade
- Red:far-red ratio indicates light environment (high ratio = sun, low ratio = shade)
- Many small seeds are light-dependent germinators
- Seeds use phytochrome signaling to avoid germinating under competitor canopies