The structure and function of a regulatory gene, SHORT-ROOT (SHR), is described.
The SHR gene is expressed specifically in root progenitor tissues of embryos, and
in roots and stems of seedlings and plants. SHR expression controls cell division
of certain cell types in roots and affects the organization of root and stem tissues,
and affects gravitropism of aerial structures. The invention relates to the SHR
gene, SHR-like genes, SHR gene products, (including but not limited to transcriptional
products such as mRNAs, antisense, and ribozyme molecules, and translational products
such the SHR protein, polypeptides, peptides and fusion proteins related thereto),
antibodies to SHR gene products, SHR promoters and regulatory regions and the use
of the foregoing to improve agronomically valuable plants.
