NOVEL PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

In one aspect, the present invention provides isolated RALF polypeptides tha t are useful for stimulating the growth of plant meristem cells. In another aspect, the present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that are at least 90 % identical to a nucleic acid molecule (SEQ ID NO: 2) that encodes a tobacco RALF precursor polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 3). In a further aspect, the present invention provides isolated polypeptides that are at lea st 90 % identical to the amino acid sequence of a tobacco RALF precursor polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 3). In another aspect, the present invention provide s vectors and plant cells comprising a vector o f the invention. In other aspects, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting meristem growt h in a plant, and methods of enhancing meristem growth in a plant.