Cytokinin Biosynthesis in Mutants of the Moss Physcomitrella patens

Abstract

Three cytokinin-over-producing mutants of the moss, Physcomitrella patens, have been shown to convert [8-(14)C]adenine to N(6)-[(14)C](Delta(2)-isopentenyl)adenine, the presence of which was confirmed by thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and recrystallization to constant specific radioactivity. The labeled cytokinin was detected in the culture medium within 6 hours and the tissue itself appears to contain both labeled N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl)adenine and N(6)-(Delta(2)-isopentenyl)adenosine monophosphate.