Deuterium-labelled indole-3-acetic acid neo-synthesis in plantlets and excised roots of maize

Synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), using stable-isotope incorporation, was investigated in Zea mays L. Incorporation of 2H from 2H2O into IAA molecules was shown to occur in intact plantlets and excised primary roots cultured in vitro. This demonstrates the de-novo formation of IAA, a process which is quantitatively well defined and is initiated early in germination.