Re: Dioxins and Plants

[labeyrie@obs-hp.fr (Antoine Labeyrie)]

  I am not an expert in dioxins ( being an astronomer), but wonder like other
biologists whether dioxins are signal molecules, normally  used in nature, or
 just chemical analogues of pheromon and hormon molecules.
  The discovery of specific dioxin receptors on the DNA of mammals suggests a
 role as signal molecules.The production of dioxins by forest fires, often
 quoted by incineration advocates, suggests that the  DNA receptors may serve
 as fire alarms, triggering metabolic responses.  Is there evidence for similar
 receptors in invertebrates and plants ?

Antoine Labeyrie
College de France