Cytokinin metabolism and action

Cytokinins are structurally diverse and biologically versatile. The chemist ry and physiology of cytokinin have been studied extensively, but the regul ation of cytokinin biosynthesis, metabolism, and signal transduction is sti ll largely undefined. Recent advances in cloning metabolic genes and identi fying putative receptors portend more rapid progress based on molecular tec hniques. This review centers on cytokinin metabolism with connecting discus sions on biosynthesis and signal transduction. Important findings are summa rized with emphasis on metabolic enzymes and genes. Based on the informatio n generated to date, implications and future research directions are presen ted.