Zeatin is a cytokinin derived from adenine, which occurs in the form of a cis- and a trans-isomer and conjugates.

Zeatin was discovered in immature corn kernels from the genus Zea.

It promotes growth of lateral buds and when sprayed on meristems stimulates cell division to produce bushier plants.

Zeatin has also been shown to promote the resistance of tobacco against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, in which trans-zeatin has a more prominent effect than cis-zeatin.

This distinct bioactivity is not a result of difference in uptake and accumulation of trans-Zeatin as opposed to cis-Zeatin.