Plants have evolved with a complex array of signaling molecules to facilitate their growth and development and their interactions with the environment. A vast number of different peptide molecules form an important but until recently often overlooked component amongst these signaling molecules. Plant peptide signals are involved in regulating meristem growth and organogenesis, modulating plant growth and homeostatic responses. They also have important roles as signals of imminent danger or pathogen attack. This volume focuses on the roles of various peptide signaling molecules in development, defence and homeostasis. As it is likely that further plant peptide signaling molecules remain to be discovered, the last section takes a practical look at methods to identify new peptides and characterise their functions.

Inhalt

Overview of Signalling Peptides in Plants Focussing on Evolutionary Adaptations**.-** Peptides Regulating Apical Meristem Development .- Peptides Regulating Root Growth.- Peptides Regulating Vessel Development .- Peptides Involved in Self Incompatibility.- Peptides Modulating Development of Specialised Cells.- Anti-microbial Peptides.- The Role of Plant Peptides in Symbiotic Interactions.- Danger Signals Relayed by Peptidic MAMPs and DAMPs.- Peptides Regulating Plant Homeostasis.- Processing of Peptides.- Methods to Isolate and Identify New Plant Signalling Peptides .- Methods to Identify New Partners of Plant Signalling Peptides.- Data Base Screens to Identify Peptide Functions.