Concentration Gradients of trans-Zeatin Riboside and trans-Zeatin in the Maize Stem: Measurement by a Specific Enzyme Immunoassay.

A sensitive, specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for trans-zeatin riboside (ZR) and trans-zeatin (Z) in the 0.3 to 30 picomole range has been described. The reliability of the method for measuring ZR + Z in partially purified extracts of Zea mays L. tissues was verified by highperformance liquid chromatography. EIA measurements showed that there was a concentration gradient of ZR + Z along the length of the Zea stem. The topmost internodes, internodes 7 and 8 counting from the coleoptilar node, had the highest concentration ( approximately 130 picomoles per gram fresh weight). Moving basipetally, the concentration dropped approximately 10-fold to a minimum at internode 4, and then increased slightly in internodes 2 and 3. There were also gradients within each internode. The five lowest internodes contained the highest concentrations toward their apical end, the region which included the node; this asymmetry was less pronounced near the top of the plant.