kinetin

kinetin , one of a group of chemically similar plant hormones, the cytokinins, that promote cell division. In some instances kinetin acts together with another hormone, indoleacetic acid, or auxin ; in other cases it acts in opposition to auxin.

kinetin (6-fururylaminopurine) A degradation product of animal DNA, which does not occur naturally and which has properties similar to those of cytokinins. Applied to certain leaves, kinetin delays senescence in its vicinity and attracts nutrients.

cytokinin (kinetin or kinin) Any of a group of plant hormones that stimulate cell division. Cytokinins work in conjunction with auxins to promote swelling and division in the plant cells producing lateral buds. They can also slow down the aging process in plants, encourage seeds to germinate and plants to flower, and are involved in plant responses to drought and water-logging. They are used commercially to produce seedless grapes, to stimulate germination of barley in brewing, and to prolong the life of green-leaf vegetables.