The Effect of Kinetin on Leaf Growth

This study was intended to ascertain whether kinetin promotes a leaf growth by cell division or not, using the Raphanus leaf disks.1. The leaves showed cell enlargement without cell division by the addition of kinetin, although it has been reported as a chemical which induces cell divisions in the case of tobacco wound callus.2. It makes much increase of fresh weight and leaf area, and small of dry weight, but not total nitrogen. Its effectiveness was far greater than adenine on fresh weight and leaf area.3. The effect of kinetin was found under both light and dark conditions. 4. Without the application of IAA kinetin acted on leaf growth.5. It seemed to differ from the definition of auxin on the basis of the experiments of Avena curvature test, root test and leaf test.