kinetin

chemical compound

Also known as: 6-furfurylaminopurine

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Kinetin is a plant hormone, specifically a type of cytokinin, that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Its chemical formula is C₁₀H₉N₅O.1

Cytokinins are synthesized in plant roots and transported upwards to other parts of the plant. They work alongside other hormones, like auxins, to promote cell division and differentiation. A key function of cytokinins is to delay senescence, the aging process in plants, by preventing the breakdown of proteins and chlorophyll. This property makes kinetin valuable commercially for extending the shelf life of green vegetables. In plant tissue culture, the balance of kinetin and auxin influences whether roots or shoots develop.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

cytokinin
Cytokinins such as 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) are used commercially in the storage of green vegetables to reduce yellowing. In horticultural tissue culture, high auxin and low cytokinin conditions give rise to root development, whereas low auxin and high cytokinin conditions encourage shoot development.
Read More
Cytokinins such as 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) are used commercially in the storage of green vegetables to reduce yellowing. In horticultural tissue culture, high auxin and low cytokinin conditions give rise to root development, whereas low auxin and high cytokinin conditions encourage shoot development.
Read More