Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules encoding mutant and wild-type alleles of the maize D9 gene. The invention further provides methods for modifying the growth of plants involving the use of these isolated polynucleotide molecules, isolated polypeptides, and transformed plants, seeds, and cells.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated terminal fusion glycinin and proglycinin polypeptides that when expressed alter the functional properties of the protein in comparison with wild type. Also provided are nucleic acid sequences that encode the terminal fusion polypeptides, and methods of modifying the functional properties of glycinin proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera and Rhinocladiella atrovirens. The polynucleotides may be mutated to remove glycosylation sites and cysteine residues. Additionally, the present invention provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic seed. The present invention also provides for polynucleotides containing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, methods for detecting fumonisins, and methods for identifying transformed plant cells. Methods for degrading fungal toxins in plants, grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides expression cassettes comprising isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides that are involved in enhancing the essential amino acid content of a plant.