News Plants

Petunias spread their scent using pushy proteins

Molecules that move fragrance compounds out of cells may protect plants

petunias

SWEET SCENT  A protein called PhABCG1 moves scent compounds out of petunias’ cells, helping the flowers to smell sweet.

Yves6/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

By Ashley Yeager

- More than 2 years ago

When it comes to smelling pretty, petunias are pretty pushy.

Instead of just letting scent compounds waft into the air, the plants use a particular molecule called a transporter protein to help move the compounds along, a new study found.