Term (Greek kýtos = cell; kineîn = to set in motion, stimulate) for plant hormones belonging to the group of phytohormones. They are found in higher plants as well as in some algae, bacteria and fungi and, together with auxins and abscisic acid, control numerous growth and differentiation processes. Their functions in activating cell division (mitosis), promoting shoot growth and delaying ageing (senescence) are particularly important. Among other things, they prevent the premature breakdown of chlorophyll and favour the formation of flowers and shoots. Cytokinins stimulate cell division via hormonal control and thus indirectly prepare the subsequent cytokinesis, i.e. the physical separation of the daughter cells.
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Andreas Essl
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