BIO 1201 LECTURE 16 CYTOKININ, ETHYLENE, POLYAMINE,

ABA
Cytokinins are compounds with a structure resembling adenine which promote cell
division and have other similar functions to kinetin. Kinetin was the first cytokinin
discovered and so named because of the compounds ability to promote cytokinesis
(cell division). Though it is a natural compound, It is not made in plants, and is
therefore usually considered a "synthetic" cytokinin (meaning that the hormone is
synthesized somewhere other than in a plant). The most common form of naturally
occurring cytokinin in plants today is called zeatin which was isolated from corn
(Zea mays).

Cytokinin concentrations are highest in meristematic regions and areas of
continuous growth potential such as roots, young leaves, developing fruits, and
seeds.

Cytokinin Functions

A list of some of the known physiological effects caused by cytokinins is listed
below. The response will vary depending on the type of cytokinin and plant species
(Davies, 1995; Mauseth, 1991; Raven, 1992; Salisbury and Ross, 1992).

Stimulates cell division.
Stimulates morphogenesis (shoot initiation/bud formation) in tissue culture.
Stimulates the growth of lateral buds-release of apical dominance.
Stimulates leaf expansion resulting from cell enlargement.
May enhance stomatal opening in some species.
Promotes the conversion of etioplasts into chloroplasts via stimulation of
chlorophyll synthesis.

Abscisic acid

Abscisic acid is a single compound unlike the auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.
It was called "abscisin II" originally because it was thought to play a major role in
abscission of fruits. At about the same time another group was calling it "dormin"
because they thought it had a major role in bud dormancy. The name abscisic acid
(ABA) was coined by a compromise between the two groups. Though ABA
generally is thought to play mostly inhibitory roles, it has many promoting
functions as well.

Functions of Abscisic Acid

The following are some of the physiological responses known to be associated
with abscisic acid:
Stimulates the closure of stomata (water stress brings about an increase in
ABA synthesis).
Inhibits shoot growth but will not have as much effect on roots or may even
promote growth of roots.
Induces seeds to synthesize storage proteins.
Inhibits the effect of gibberellins on stimulating de novo synthesis of a-
amylase.
Has some effect on induction and maintenance of dormancy.
Induces gene transcription especially for proteinase inhibitors in response to
wounding which may explain an apparent role in pathogen defense.

Ethylene
Ethylene, unlike the rest of the plant hormone compounds is a gaseous hormone.
Like abscisic acid, it is the only member of its class. Of all the known plant growth
substance, ethylene has the simplest structure. It is produced in all higher plants
and is usually associated with fruit ripening.

Functions of Ethylene

Ethylene is known to affect the following plant processes (Davies, 1995; Mauseth,
1991; Raven, 1992; Salisbury and Ross, 1992):
Stimulates the release of dormancy.
Stimulates shoot and root growth and differentiation (triple response)
May have a role in adventitious root formation.
Stimulates leaf and fruit abscission.
Stimulates Bromeliad flower induction.
Induction of femaleness in dioecious flowers.
Stimulates flower opening.
Stimulates flower and leaf senescence.
Stimulates fruit ripening.

Polyamines

A polyamine is an organic compound having two or more primary amino groups
NH
2.

DNA replication, transcription of genes, cell division,
organ development, fruit development and ripening,
leaf senescence and abiotic stresses