Involved in the differentiation of epidermal cells, probably via the regulation of the expression of meristem-related genes (e.g. CLV3, STM, KNAT1, CUC2 and AG) and of leaf polarity-related genes (e.g. YAB5, FIL, AS2, PHB and PHV) (PubMed:22058024, PubMed:22357616). May play a role in regulating cellular proliferation (By similarity). Necessary for flower development, probably by preventing apical dominance through the down-regulation of AG expression (PubMed:22357616). Required for embryogenesis, leaf and cotyledon development, as well as for leaf polarity establishment (PubMed:22058024). Plays an important role in plant growth and senescence by modulating ribosome biogenesis in nucleolus. Possesses GTPAse activity in vitro. Possesses RNA binding activity in vitro. Associates with ribosomes (PubMed:26163696). Interacts with EBP2 and PES. Shuttles between the nucleus and nucleolus. Mostly expressed in flowers, siliques and inflorescence apex, and, to a lower extent, in stems and leaves. Accumulates in developing embryos and in the primordia of cotyledons and leaves (PubMed:22058024). Accumulates mostly in the inflorescence meristem and in floral primordia. Low levels in the inflorescence meristem dome, but high levels in the floral primordia already in early stages. Accumulates progressively in floral organ primordia to become concentrated in the primordia of stamens and carpels. At the later stages of floral development, expressed primarily in developing microspores in the stamens and ovules in the carpels (PubMed:22357616). The basic domain (B) allows nucleolar localization in the absence of GTP. The intermediate domain (I) inhibits nucleolar localization by the B domain and is required for exit from the nucleolus. Exit from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm requires both the I and the acidic (A) domains, and may be triggered by GTP hydrolysis. In contrast to other GTP-binding proteins, this family is characterized by a circular permutation of the GTPase motifs described by a G4-G1-G3 pattern. The DARXP motif is also sometime designated as G6 region. Dwarf with severe defects in reproduction, eventual arrest in embryo development that can occur at any stage of embryogenesis, distorted cotyledons, and upward curled leaves probably due to disoriented leaf polarity. Ectopic meristem-like outgrowths on the surface of cotyledons and leaves (PubMed:22058024). Abnormal expression of meristem-related genes and of leaf polarity-related genes (PubMed:22357616, PubMed:22058024). Heterozygote plants develop defective flowers and siliques on inflorescences sometimes terminated by the formation of carpelloid flower, and thus leading to a highly reduced self-fertility (PubMed:22357616). Belongs to the TRAFAC class YlqF/YawG GTPase family.