Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that play crucial roles in various biological processes within plants. They are a type of growth-promoting hormone that regulate cell division and differentiation, and are involved in controlling plant growth and development.
In plants, cytokinins are produced in actively growing tissues, particularly in the root tips, young leaves, and developing seeds. They are transported upward from the roots to the shoot system via the xylem and act in concert with other plant hormones, such as auxins, to regulate plant growth and development.
Cytokinins promote cell division by activating proteins that regulate the cell cycle, resulting in the formation of new cells. They are also involved in controlling and stimulating bud formation, leaf expansion, and the development of chloroplasts and other organelles within plant cells.
Furthermore, cytokinins play a crucial role in promoting the growth of lateral shoots, inhibiting the aging process by delaying leaf senescence, and regulating various physiological processes such as nutrient transport, flowering, seed germination, and stress response mechanisms.
Cytokinins can be naturally occurring in plants or can be produced synthetically for agricultural purposes. They are widely used in agriculture and horticulture to promote plant growth, improve crop yields, enhance fruit development, delay leaf aging, and increase resistance to environmental stresses.
