| Abstract: | Of the various theories proposed for auxin activity, the conformational change theory and the charge separation theory have received considerable attention. However, no conclusive theory collating molecular structure with hormonal activity has yet been established. We have studied the structural requirements for hormonal activity in plants through single crystal x-ray studies, as well as through conformational and charge density calculations on a series of plant hormones. We find that the existing theories are inadequate in explaining the activity of several auxins. We propose that the size of the auxin molecule in conjunction with the charge separation serves as a possible mechanism of action in plant hormones. |
