Rapid advances have been made in the study of auxin binding proteins (ABPs) in the last five years . In particular, an ABP in maize membranes has been cloned, sequenced and both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to this ABP have been developed . Structural and functional analysis has begun and there is good electrophysiological evidence that ABP in the plasma membrane functions as a receptor, probably involved in auxin-induced cell expansion . The role of the large amount of ABP in the endoplasmic reticulum is less clear, as is the relationship to soluble ABPs . At present there is only some circumstantial evidence relating any ABP to cell division . Receptors for synthetic inhibitors of auxin transport (phytotropins) are also of interest in relation to auxin action, but are less well characterised . Identification of new naturally-occurring phytotropins could lead to novel plant growth regulators .