Circadian rhythms in plants: Governing growth and developmental dynamics

Abstract

Plants possess endogenous circadian oscillators that enable anticipation of an adaptation to daily and seasonal environmental fluctuations, thereby enhancing ecological fitness. Similar to animals and insects, the plant circadian system comprises interwoven transcriptional-translational feedback loops. These oscillators synchronize internal rhythms with external conditions via zeitgebers like photoperiod, thermocycles, and nutrient availability. Downstream output mechanisms regulate the timing of physiological, developmental, and reproductive events to align with optimal diurnal or seasonal phases. Emerging genomic evidence indicates polymorphisms in core circadian regulators underpin latitudinal adaptation across diverse plant species. This review synthesizes current knowledge on circadian-mediated regulation throughout plant life cycles and examines the clock's role in facilitating local adaptation through evolutionary genomic perspectives.