Phytotropins

Certain members of the phytotropin class of auxin transport inhibitors are shown to bind with high affinity to the known naphthylphthalamic acid binding sites in maize (Zea mays) coleoptiles. The binding site is, thus, a phytotropin binding site. In general, the degree of binding correlates with the phytotropin structure activity rules and with physiological activities of model compounds. It is argued that the binding site may be a receptor, and it also may be the receptor involved in the control of the auxin transport process. The possibility is raised that the binding sites may be intrinsic receptors for endoanalog(s) of the phytotropins.