Localization of cytokinin responses in the mossFunaria hygrometrica

In the protonema ofFunaria hygrometrica, predetermined cells run through a period of sensitivity to cytokinins, as part of the morphogenetic system with respect to bud formation. The cytokinin sensitivity is highest immediately after the formation of cells in question. The cells can react if enough hormone is present during the sensitive phase. Kinetin is cleaved very rapidly and at an increasing rate. Most probably the concerned enzyme (“kinetin oxidase”) is induced by kinetin. Therefore, cells formed after the beginning of the treatment do not respond by forming buds.