GOULD, KEVIN S., DAVID W. LEE*, and JAMES WALLACE. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199. - Why leaves turn red: The function of anthocyanins in vegetative organs.
Despite a long record of research on anthocyanins in plants, their
function in vegetative organs is a mystery. We have long known their
pathway of synthesis and their photobiological regulation. More
recently this understanding has been extended by advances in molecular
genetics. Recent advances in whole plant physiology provide an
opportunity for a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the
functional roles of anthocyanins in plants. This symposium assembles
experts in biochemistry, molecular genetics, physiology, development
and evolutionary ecology to summarize our present understanding and
suggest the most promising directions for future research.
Key words: anthocyanins, photobiological regulation, red leaves