The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding plant prenyl
protease polypeptides, fragments and homologs thereof. Also provided are
vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for producing said
polypeptides. The invention further provides novel polynucleotides
encoding plant promoters, polypeptides, fragments and homologs thereof.
The invention additionally provides methods of constructing transgenic
plants that have altered levels of prenyl protease polynucleotides and
polypeptides. Methods for identifying prenyl protease enzymes substrates
and inhibitors are also provided. The invention further relates to
methods of applying these novel plant polypeptides to the identification,
prevention, and/or conferment of resistance to various plant diseases
and/or disorders, particularly drought resistance.