“冬季记忆”告诉植物何时迎春开花

Core Idea - The article discusses the phenomenon of "vernalization," where plants require a period of cold to bloom, and highlights recent scientific advancements in understanding this process through the development of a specialized camera that can observe molecular changes in plants [3][4]. Group 1: Vernalization Process - Plants possess a "winter memory" that allows them to remember past cold temperatures, which is essential for initiating their growth in spring [3]. - The term "vernalization" was first coined by Soviet geneticist Trofim Lysenko, indicating that plants need to experience a prolonged period of low temperatures to gain the ability to flower [3][4]. Group 2: Scientific Advancements - Researchers at the University of York developed a "super camera" named SlimVar, which can significantly reduce light scattering and track the movement of individual molecules up to 30 micrometers deep within living plants [4]. - This technology has enabled scientists to identify two key proteins, VIN3 and VRN5, that play a crucial role in the vernalization process by suppressing the flowering-inhibiting gene FLC during winter [4]. Group 3: Molecular Mechanism - The identified proteins form aggregates in the cell nucleus that effectively "turn off" the FLC gene, allowing the plant to prepare for blooming once spring arrives [4]. - These protein aggregates remain in the nucleus as a long-term "memory hub," signaling to the plant that it has survived the winter and can now bloom [4][5]. Group 4: Implications for Agriculture - The findings suggest potential applications in agriculture, where manipulating these "memory hubs" could help crops better adapt to fluctuating climate conditions, ensuring that they can bloom accurately despite environmental changes [5].