寄生植物の光応答に関する生理生化学的研究(奨励賞,受賞業績)  [in Japanese] Physiological and biochemical studies on photoresponses of parasitic plants(The JSCRP Award for the Encouragement of Young Scientists,The Society Awards lectures)  [in Japanese]

Holoparasitic plants such as Orobanche spp. have lost their photosynthetic ability. On the other hand, hemiparasites retain photosynthetic ability. In the holoparasitic species, selective pressure to maintain photosynthetic ability had been released. Photoresponses of plants which are important to optimize photosynthesis for green plants are not necessary in holoparasites. Photoresponses are also involved in the regulation of plant development such as germination process. Studies on photoresponses of parasitic plants revealed that the pattern of their photoresponses had been modified for adaptation to its parasitic life cycle. Molecular analysis of their photoreceptors also demonstrated that the alteration of amino acid sequences and associated molecular function. Elucidation of altered components in these parasitic plants will provide useful information not only about its physiological characteristics but also about general plant photoreception systems and evolution.