CHARACTERIZATION OF A HIGH MOLECULAR MASS CYTOKININ-LIKE COMPOUND EXTRACTED FROM WHEAT-GERM (TRITICUM-VULGARE L)

We describe the presence of a glycosyl derivative from wheat germ with a cytokinin activity. This compound was isolated after extraction by four chromatography steps: sulfopropyl ion exchange, Sephadex LH-20, Trisacryl GF 05 gel filtration and cellulose thin-layer chromatography. Glucose and xylose were identified by gas chromatography in the ratio 2:1. This glycosylated derivative has a maximal absorption at 277 nm due to an expected aglycone. After peracetylation, the molecular mass obtained in FAB mass spectrometry was 1333 in positive mode (M + H)+ and 1331, in negative mode (M - H)-. This compound showed an optimal activity on the cucumber cotyledon assay at 4 × 10-5 M equivalent concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine. © 1990.