Cytokinins are substances close to purine bases (substituted adenins). It is a family of phytohormones essential for the development of the plant as well as auxin, which acts as hormones in plants.

4-CPPU is a cytokinin class plant growth regulator that is used to promote plant cell division. This compound has been used to increase embryogenic potential by inducing somatic embryogenesis, assist in plant callus production and investigate effects on plant biomass growth. 4-CPPU has also been shown to stimulate organogenesis in some plant species, such as Rubus.

4-CPPU increases plant growth by inhibiting cytokine oxidase, a regulator of cytokinin activity. The exact type of inhibition has not yet been elucidated. Researchers have found 4-CPPU to function as a competitive inhibitor, while others have found it to behave as a noncompetitive inhibitor.