Abstract: The present invention provides transfer-deficient pAgK84 plasmids, non-pathogenic strains of Agrobacterium radiobacter K84 carrying such plasmids, and a method useful for control of crown gall disease mediated by A. tumefaciens. The plasmids include genes encoding the synthesis of the antibiotic agrocin 84 and are modified in the transfer region of the plasmid by sufficient deletion to inhibit transfer of the plasmid. The plasmids are used to develop non-pathogenic strains of A. radiobacter K84 that stably produce agrocin 84 and inhibit the development of crown gall disease.

Abstract: A method of increasing xanthan gum production, comprising culturing a Xanthomonas campestris strain having a xanthan-increasing modification in a culture medium, wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of (1) a mutation causing rifampicin-resistance; (2) a mutation causing bacitracin-resistance; or (3) exogenous genetic information controlling the synthesis of xanthan; and separating xanthan from the culture medium, is provided along with specific DNA sequences and Xanthomonas campestris strains showing increased xanthan gum production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human polypeptide having phospholipase A.sub.2 activity, referred to as PLA.sub.2 (Ca.sup.-). The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the novel polypeptide, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequences coding for the novel polypeptide, host cells and cell cultures capable of expressing the novel polypeptide. The present invention further provides antisense oligonucleotides for modulation of expression of the gene coding for the novel polypeptide. Assays for screening test compounds for their ability to inhibit phospholipase A.sub.2 activity are also provided.

Abstract: Asymmetrically tailed plasmid primers are provided, each of which comprises a cut, double-stranded DNA plasmid containing a functional origin of replication, at least one functional selection marker gene, a 3' oligo (dT) tail and a 3' oligo (dC) or oligo (dG) tail which is terminated by a phosphate group. Methods for making and using the primers for the highly efficient production of complex cloning libraries and a kit for carrying out the cloning method of the invention are also provided.