Cytokinins are pervasive among common in vitro culture media: An analysis of their forms, concentrations and potential sources.

The number of organisms that are known to produce cytokinins (CKs) continues to increase. In fact, species from all life kingdoms have now been shown to either produce CKs or at least have the genetic components to make it possible. In vitro growth of microorganisms, plant/animal cells, and tissue cultures often requires nutrient-rich media composed of ingredients with organic origins including: yeast extract, peptone, tryptone, or various plant or animal extracts. These compounds, derived from microbial, plant and animal materials, can be the source of significant levels of exogenous CKs in the culture medium. As CK investigative work continues to expand rapidly, it is of critical importance to draw attention to this complexity; the presence of CKs in growth medium affects CK metabolism of the cultured organism and interferes with the readings of analytical instrumentation used to profile CKs in tested microorganisms or cell cultures.