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The universal language of hormones

Cytokinins have been found to play a vital role in the communication mechanisms of bacteria, plants and animals, regulating growth, development and disease resistance. The research has also uncovered new details on how cytokinins evolve and activate enzymes, challenging previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateMar 22, 2018

For legume plants, a new route from shoot to root

Researchers discovered a new route for legume plants to communicate with their symbiotic bacteria. The study found that cytokinins, signaling molecules, are transmitted from leaves to roots to control the number of bacterial-holding nodules. This innovation allows legumes to balance energy production and nodule development.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2014

No more sneezing, allergen-free house plants

Researchers have genetically engineered a type of house plant to be long-lived and produce flowers without pollen. The modified plants also exhibit improved growth characteristics, such as increased branching and leaf density. This breakthrough is great news for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants for longer periods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

Plant growth hormones: Antagonists cooperate

A recent study published in Nature found that auxin and cytokinin, two previously thought-to-be antagonistic plant growth hormones, actually cooperate to regulate plant growth. The international team of researchers discovered that auxin boosts the effect of cytokinin by suppressing genes that limit its activity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2010