Question

The scientist associated with the discovery of Cytokinin is:

• A. M. Calvin
• B. F. W. Went
• C. F. Skoog
• D. D. Neljubov

Hint:

Remember: Skoog = Cytokinin, Went = Auxin, Calvin = Photosynthesis.
The discovery of kinetin from DNA was an accidental but revolutionary find in plant biotechnology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the scientist who played a pivotal role in the discovery of cytokinins, a class of plant growth regulators that promote cell division.
Detailed Explanation:

• F. Skoog and the Discovery:
In the 1950s, Folke Skoog and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin were investigating the nutritional requirements for the division of tobacco pith cells in culture.
They found that cell division occurred only when the medium contained both an auxin and a factor derived from aged or autoclaved DNA (specifically herring sperm DNA).

• Isolation of Kinetin:
Along with Carlos Miller, Skoog isolated the active substance and named it Kinetin. This was the first discovered cytokinin.

• Analyzing other scientists:
M. Calvin: Famous for the "Calvin Cycle" (C3 pathway) in photosynthesis.
F.W. Went: Associated with the isolation of Auxin (Avena curvature test).
D. Neljubov: Identified ethylene as a plant growth regulator (triple response).

Step 2: Final Answer:
F. Skoog is the scientist primarily associated with the discovery of cytokinins.