CYTOKININ ([8 -14C]BENZYLAMINOPURINE) METABOLISM IN MATURE GREEN TOMATO PERICARP

Abstract
Cytokinin ([8–14C]Benzylaminopurine), (BA), metabolism in mature green tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill Hybrid “Ohio CR-6”) was monitored. Radiotracer studies of [8–14C]BA metabolism indicated the rapid formation of more polar metabolites. Alkaline phosphatase treatment indicated at least two of the metabolites to be phosphorylated. Mass spectral data showed that the TMS derivative of one metabolite contained a sugar moiety of the β-D-glucopyranose tetra TMS form but lacked characteristic fragments corresponding to the N6 benzyl side-chain or intact purine ring. A major radioactive peak slightly more polar in character than the parent compound [8–14C]BA was also observed.