Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides products of manufacture and compositions, e.g., nucleic acid probes, for use as identifying agents or indicators to detect the presence of a hydrocarbon in a sample, e.g., in marine sediments, muds, sands and the like, or in a solution, e.g., an aqueous solution, such as a production water, fresh water, underground water or seawater. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., nucleic acid probes or primers or primer pairs, for use as sensors and/or identifying agents to detect the presence of a hydrocarbon in a sample (e.g., in fresh water, underground water or seawater, or a marine mud, sand or sediment), where the presence of the hydrocarbon indicates e.g., the presence of a subsurface oil, petroleum or gas accumulation or deposit. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for use as tools for offshore oil exploration activities.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides products of manufacture and compositions, e.g., nucleic acid probes, for use as identifying agents or indicators to detect the presence of a hydrocarbon in a sample, e.g., in marine sediments, muds, sands and the like, or in a solution, e.g., an aqueous solution, such as a production water, fresh water, underground water or seawater. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., nucleic acid probes or primers or primer pairs, for use as sensors and/or identifying agents to detect the presence of a hydrocarbon in a sample (e.g., in fresh water, underground water or seawater, or a marine mud, sand or sediment), where the presence of the hydrocarbon indicates e.g., the presence of a subsurface oil, petroleum or gas accumulation or deposit. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for use as tools for offshore oil exploration activities.

Abstract: The instant invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding insect acetyl CoA carboxylase, as well as acetyl CoA carboxylase encoded thereby. The invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate a level of acetyl CoA carboxylase mRNA, polypeptide, or enzyme activity. Such agents are candidate insecticidal compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae which are essential for germination and proliferation of S. cerevisiae and using the identified genes or their encoded proteins as targets for highly specific antifungal agents, insecticides, herbicides and anti-proliferation drugs. The present invention also provides a method to systematically analyze the S. cerevisiae genome to identify essential genes for use as targets for antifungal agents, insecticides, herbicides and anti-proliferation drugs. The present invention provides antisense molecules and ribozymes comprising sequences complementary to the sequences of mRNAs of essential genes that function to inhibit the essential genes. The present invention also provides neutralizing antibodies to proteins encoded by essential genes that bind to and inactivate the essential gene products.