## 1 Introduction
sativa_, situating our analysis within the broader context of light signaling in plant physiology. Our findings underscore pivotal areas where the intricate interaction between light, and _C. sativa_ necessitates further elucidation to achieve a comprehensive understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Role of Light in Plant Growth, Development, and Secondary Metabolism: A Background Story of Mechanism  
Light, a critical environmental factor, influences plant growth, development, and metabolism, functioning in both photosynthetic and signaling capacities for plant morphogenesis [16]. Variations in light quality (spectrum), intensity, and duration catalyze critical physiological and biochemical reactions, dramatically shaping plant form and function (Figure 1) [16]. Plants have evolved a sophisticated circadian clock to synchronize various processes with the light/dark cycle, and metabolic reprogramming in response to light is crucial for optimal plant growth and development [16]. Understanding these processes is pivotal for improving crop production efficiency and agricultural productivity [16]. Light intensity, spectrum (280-800 nm), and day length significantly affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation during photosynthetic electron transport (Figure 1), influencing the cellular redox state crucial for metabolic adjustments that enable plant survival under various environmental conditions [17; 18]. The dynamic shifts in light conditions, both spatial (latitude, altitude) and temporal (daily, seasonal), are compounded by fluctuations in temperature, water supply, and stress factors. Consequently, light-governed redox control profoundly influences core metabolic pathways (carbon, nitrogen, amino acids, sulfur, lipids, and nucleic acids) and secondary metabolism (terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids) (Figure 1) [17; 18]. ROS accumulation is particularly intense near electron transport chains, necessitating precise, compartment-specific redox adjustments [17; 18; 19]. Within chloroplasts, excess ROS emerges near thylakoid membranes during photosynthesis, specifically in the electron transport between photosystems II and I (Figure 1). In mitochondria, ROS accumulate around inner membranes during respiration [17; 18; 19]. The antioxidant system is crucial in maintaining optimal ROS levels, safeguarding cells from oxidative devastation under various environmental stresses [15; 17; 18]. Dominant antioxidants include the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, \(\alpha\)-tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids, thioredoxinoxins (TRXs),peroxiredoxins (PRXs), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione \(S\)-transferases (GSTs) [15; 17; 18]. The synergistic roles of ROS and antioxidants in light-dependent redox regulation are critical for plant adaptation to environmental changes. The strategic metabolic engineering of light signaling intermediates to modulate secondary metabolite accumulation is essential for maximizing plant growth and development [15; 17; 18] (Figure 1). The light-induced synthesis of photoprotective secondary metabolites is indispensable [17; 18; 19]. The spectral regulation of metabolism is of utmost importance due to the precise absorption maxima of chlorophylls and the acute sensitivity of photoreceptors (Figure 1). Plants employ sophisticated photoreceptors to precisely adapt, to environmental light cues, drive extensive transcriptome reprogramming, and induce developmental and physiological changes (Figure 1) [16; 20]. Light perception, which is crucial for photomorphogenesis and metabolism, involves specific photoreceptors (Figure 1) distinct from photosynthetic pigments that operate independently of photosynthesis [16; 20]. Five formidable classes of photoreceptor proteins have been identified in plants: phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins, the ZEITLUPE (ZTL)/FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX 1 (FKF1)/light oxygen voltage (LOV) KELCH PROTEIN 2 (LKP2) complex, and UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) [16; 20].