What does cytokinin mean?
A cytokinin is a type of plant hormone that plays a central role in stimulating cell division, the process known as cytokinesis from which the word takes its name. First identified in the mid-twentieth century during studies of plant tissue culture, cytokinins work in concert with other hormones—particularly auxins—to govern essential aspects of plant growth, including shoot formation, bud development, nutrient movement, and the delay of leaf aging. The balance between cytokinins and auxins often determines whether cultured plant tissue develops roots or shoots, making these compounds indispensable tools in agricultural biotechnology and commercial micropropagation. Naturally occurring examples such as zeatin, and synthetic analogues such as kinetin, are widely used to extend the shelf life of cut flowers and harvested vegetables. Though firmly a technical botanical term, cytokinin has practical importance for anyone interested in how plants grow, age, and respond to their environment.
nounA cytokinin is any of a class of plant hormones that promote cell division (cytokinesis) and influence growth and development, working alongside auxins in processes such as shoot formation, nutrient mobilization, and delaying leaf senescence.
- Any of a group of plant hormones that promote cell division and regulate various aspects of plant growth and development, including shoot initiation, bud development, and delayed senescence.
"The addition of a cytokinin to the culture medium stimulated rapid cell division in the tobacco tissue."
"Researchers applied a synthetic cytokinin to delay the yellowing of stored lettuce leaves."
"An imbalance in the auxin-to-cytokinin ratio can shift tissue cultures toward root rather than shoot formation."
Standard plural formed regularly with -s; commonly used when referring collectively to the class of hormones rather than to a single compound.
"Cytokinins accumulate in actively growing meristems where new cells are being produced."
Named after the very process it triggers — cytokinesis, the moment one cell splits into two — the cytokinin was first isolated from herring sperm DNA.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cytokinin
The word cytokinin was coined in the mid-twentieth century by combining the Greek-derived combining form 'cyto-' (from 'kytos', meaning hollow vessel or cell) with 'kinin', itself built on the Greek root 'kinesis', meaning movement. It was introduced following the discovery of cell-division-promoting substances in plant tissues, notably the isolation of kinetin from aged herring sperm DNA in the 1950s. The same Greek root gives English words such as kinetics, kinesis, and cytology, tying cytokinin to a broad family of scientific vocabulary concerned with cells and motion.
How cytokinin is actually used
A technical term used almost exclusively in botany, plant physiology, agriculture, and horticulture; rarely encountered outside scientific contexts. Usually discussed collectively as 'cytokinins' when referring to the class.
Easily confused with cytokinin
Kinin refers to a class of animal peptide hormones involved in inflammation and blood pressure regulation, whereas cytokinin denotes plant hormones that promote cell division.
Auxins are a different class of plant hormones chiefly responsible for cell elongation and apical dominance, while cytokinins primarily promote cell division.