Flavin mononucleotide regulated photochemical isomerization and degradation of zeatin.

cis -Zeatin ( c Z), a cytokinin often overlooked compared to trans -zeatin ( t Z), can now be controlled in live cells and plants through a new biocompatible reaction. Using flavin photosensitizers, c Z can be isomerized to t Z or degraded, depending on the presence of a reducing reagent. This breakthrough offers a novel approach for regulating plant growth through chemical molecules.