Question

What are cytokinins?

Answer 1

Cytokinins

1. Cytokinins are a group of growth regulators that enhances the growth and development of plants. They were initially isolated from coconut milk and later found to be produced in the seed endosperm and roots.
2. Cytokinins are derivatives of adenine. The most bioactive form of cytokinin is kinetin. Zeatin, another cytokinin, has been isolated from unripe grains of the maize plants.
3. They mainly help in the division and differentiation of cells in combination with auxins.
4. Equal concentrations of auxin and cytokinin promote cell division but no differentiation.
5. A higher concentration of cytokinins promotes the development of shoot buds, whereas a higher concentration of auxins promotes root development.
6. Cytokinins promote the development of lateral buds.
7. Cytokinins also delay ageing by retaining a high rate of protein synthesis in the leaves of the plants.