Petunias spread their scent using pushy proteins
Molecules that move fragrance compounds out of cells may protect plants
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)
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.