Compositions and kits are provided having a peptide having an amino acid sequence that binds to eukaryotic cells and effects differentiation and support growth of the cells. Peptide-scaffold compositions containing at least one peptide or combinations of peptides are therapeutic agents for stimulating and promoting osteogenic activity and osteoinduction activity for cells. The scaffold is for example apatite, natural cancellous bone, demineralized natural cancellous bone, collagen, calcium phosphate, or hydroxyapatite.