Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing products comprising improved host cells genetically engineered to have uncoupled productive and catabolic pathways. In particular, the present invention provides host cells having a modification in nucleic acid encoding an endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and/or a modification of nucleic acid encoding an enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon. Such improved host cells are used for the production of products, such as, ascorbic acid intermediates. Methods for making and using the improved host cells are provided. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for glucokinase and gluconokinase are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filamentous fungal host cells and particularly Trichoderma host cells useful for the production of heterologous granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes having glucoamylase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing products comprising improved host cells genetically engineered to have uncoupled productive and catabolic pathways. In particular, the present invention provides host cells having a modification in nucleic acid encoding an endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and/or a modification of nucleic acid encoding an enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon. Such improved host cells are used for the production of products, such as, ascorbic acid intermediates. Methods for making and using the improved host cells are provided. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for glucokinase and gluconokinase are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, and oligonucleotides therefrom. The isolated nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in appropriate bacterial cells to enhance the production of 2-KLG, which can subsequently be converted to ascorbic acid. Further provided are isolated polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, immunogenic peptides therefrom, and antibodies specific therefor. The invention also provides methods of identifying novel 2,5-DKG permeases.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease activity, and oligonucleotides therefrom. The isolated nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in appropriate bacterial cells to enhance the production of 2-KLG, which can subsequently be converted to ascorbic acid. Further provided are isolated polypeptides having 2,5-DKG permease acitivity, immunogenic peptides therefrom, and antibodies specific therefor. The invention also provides methods of identifying novel 2,5-DKG permeases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme composition comprising an acid stable alpha amylase (asAA) having granular starch hydrolyzing activity. The invention also relates to a one-step method for producing an alcohol which comprises contacting a granular starch substrate with an acid-stable alpha amylase (asAA) having granular starch hydrolyzing (GSH) activity and a glucoamylase (GA) in a fermentation step which also comprises ethanologenic microorganisms at a temperature of 25–40° C. to obtain a fermentation broth having 5 to 20% ethanol.

Abstract: A browning agent for foodstuffs having at least two carbonyl groups is disclosed. A method for using the browning agent in or on a substrate is also disclosed. The browning agent may be coated onto foodstuffs such as biscuits, pizza, pie coverings or hash brown potatoes and heated by microwave or convection oven to induce browning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing desired proteins or chemicals in fungal host cells, which comprise modulating the nucleic acid encoding proteins associated with hyphal growth. The amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of hbrA and hbrB are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel phenol oxidizing enzymes naturally-produced by strains of the species Stachybotrys which possess a pH optima in the alkaline range and which are useful in modifying the color associated with dyes and colored compounds, as well as in anti-dye transfer applications. Also disclosed herein are biologically-pure cultures of strains of the genus Stachybotrys, designated herein Stachybotrys parvispora MUCL 38996 and Stachybotrys chartarum MUCL 38898, which are capable of naturally-producing the novel phenol oxidizing enzymes. Disclosed herein is the amino acid and nucleic acid sequence for Stachybotrys phenol oxidizing enzymes as well as expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid. Disclosed herein are methods for producing the phenol oxidizing enzyme as well as methods for constructing expression hosts.

Abstract: Described herein are methods to enhance the production of more highly fermentable carbohydrates in plants, especially forage grasses. The invention provides for transgenic plants transformed with expression vectors containing a DNA sequence encoding ferulic acid esterase I from Aspergillus, preferably A. niger. The expression vectors may optionally comprise a DNA sequence encoding xylanase from Trichoderma, preferably T. reesei. Expression of the enzyme(s) is targeted to specific cellular compartments, in specific tissues and under specific environmental conditions. Uses of this invention include, but are not limited to, forage with improved digestibility for livestock, and enhanced biomass conversion.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and host cells for the production of ascorbic acid intermediates. The invention also provides host cells having a modification in a polynucleotide that uncouples the catabolic pathway from the oxidative pathway by deleting the encoding for an endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and/or a polynucleotide that has deleted the encoding for endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon. Such host cells are used for the production of products, such as, ascorbic acid intermediates. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences with inactivated enzymatic activity which phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and inactivated enzymatic activity which phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon are provided.

Abstract: A novel DNA is provided which encodes an enzyme having phytase activity isolated from Penicillium. Also provided for is a method of isolating DNA encoding an enzyme having phytase activity from organisms which possess such DNA, transformation of the DNA into a suitable host organism, expression of the transformed DNA and the use of the expressed phytase protein in feed as a supplement.

Abstract: A method of treating primed seeds which results in a prolongation of shelf life compared to optionally dried conventionally primed seeds of the same species having substantially the same moisture content (MC), wherein the primed seeds are subjected to a water stress, a heat treatment or a combination thereof and are subsequently—where desired—dried back to a desired MC and seeds obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: Novel plectoxins isolated from the Primitive Hunting Spider, Plectreurys tristis are described, and their amino acid sequences are presented. These are toxic to various groups of insects, including Lepidopterans. A particularly potent plectoxin is Plt-VI. The plectoxins may be cloned into a baculovirus vector and hasten its speed of kill.

Abstract: During the desizing and enzymatic stonewashing of denim fabric and/or garments, redeposition of blue color often occurs back onto the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a redepositing or backstain inhibiting composition and a method requiring the inclusion of an added protease prior to, during or subsequent to the stonewashing process which reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stonewashing process when using redepositing or backstaining cellulases to give an appearance closer to that when using stones alone or nonredepositing cellulases in the stonewashing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermophilic alkaliphilic bacteria designated Thermopallium natronophilum and thermophilic alkaliphilic polypeptides obtainable therefrom. It also provides compositions, particularly detergent compositions comprising the polypeptides.

Abstract: A novel cellulase composition is provided which is producible by an Actinomycete. The cellulase has an approximate calculated molecular weight of 35 kD and has a pH optimum at 40° C. of 6 and at 60° C. of 6 or less. Also provided is a DNA encoding said cellulase, a method for producing the cellulase and applications thereof.

Abstract: A novel cellulase composition is provided which is producible by an Actinomycete. The cellulase has an approximate calculated molecular weight of 36 kD and has a pH optimum at 40° C. of 8 and at 60° C. of 7. Also provided is a DNA encoding said cellulase, a method for producing the cellulase and applications thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of Formula XA ##STR1## wherein X and Y represent independently hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine, Z.sub.1 is fluorine or chlorine and M is hydrogen or a salt forming moiety and Z.sub.2 ' is chlorine or fluorine; and the corresponding herbicidal composition and methods of use. The compounds of the invention are useful as auxin transport inhibitors (i.e. useful as herbicides) and useful as potentiators or enhancers of herbicides.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated NP 991, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line NP 991, to the plants of inbred corn line NP 991 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing inbred line NP 991 with itself or with another corn plant. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing inbred line NP 991 with another corn line.