Abstract: Compositions related to the quantitative trait locus 6 (QTL6) in maize and methods for their use are provided. The compositions are novel molecular marker loci that are genetically linked with QTL6 and which are associated with increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof. These novel markers are characterized by the presence of at least one polymorphism relative to the corresponding marker locus from the QTL6 region of non-high-oil, non-high-oleic acid maize plants. In some embodiments, the novel marker loci comprise coding sequence for a maize DGAT1-2 polypeptide or biologically active variant thereof.

Abstract: Compositions related to the quantitative trait locus 6 (QTL6) in maize and methods for their use are provided. The compositions are novel molecular marker loci that are genetically linked with QTL6 and which are associated with increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof. These novel markers are characterized by the presence of at least one polymorphism relative to the corresponding marker locus from the QTL6 region of non-high-oil, non-high-oleic acid maize plants. In some embodiments, the novel marker loci comprise coding sequence for a maize DGAT1-2 polypeptide or biologically active variant thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for altering grain characteristics by introducing into plants, isolated nucleic acid molecules that can be used to produce transgenic plants characterized by altered number, type, or configuration of aleurone cells within the seed. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids that encode maize superal proteins, vectors capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a modulated tocol content in a plant or plant part are provided. In specific embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention modulate tocol content by modulating the level of a polypeptide having a LEC1-type B domain in combination with modulating the level of at least one other polypeptide involved in tocol biosynthesis. Plants, plant parts, grain, seed and oil having the modulated tocol level are also provided. Methods to enhance oxidative stress tolerance of a plant or plant part, increase shelf-life, enhance the nutritional value, and improve tissue quality are also provided.

Abstract: The preparation and use of nucleic acid fragments useful in altering the oil phenotype in plants are disclosed. Chimeric constructs incorporating such nucleic acid fragments and suitable regulatory sequences can be used to create transgenic plants having altered lipid profiles. Methods for altering the oil phenotype in plants using such nucleic acid fragments also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for modulating levels of at least one organic sulfur compound in plants are provided. Also provided are plants and seeds produced by the methods. The methods comprise stably transforming a plant with a DNA construct encoding a cystathionine gamma synthase enzyme, a serine acetyl transferase enzyme and/or other sulfur assimilating enzymes capable of altering the level of at least one organic sulfur compound.

Abstract: Methods are provided for modulating seed oil content in plants. Specifically, the invention relates to methods of increasing seed oil content in plants by reducing or eliminating the expression of homeodomain glabara2 (HDGL2) in a plant of interest, or changing seed composition by increasing expression of HDGL2 in a plant. Seeds and plants produced by the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding Ovule Development Protein 2 (ODP2) proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating development, developmental pathways, altering oil content in a plant, increasing transformation efficiencies, modulating stress tolerance, and modulating the regenerative capacity of a plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the production and characteristics of oil in a plant or plant part thereof are provided. Compositions of the invention are nucleotide constructs that provide for expression of transcriptional activators that increase lipid biosynthesis in a plant in combination with the inhibition or disruption of starch biosynthesis and/or starch storage, and optionally in combination with expression of another polynucleotide of interest. Compositions also include transformed plants, plant cells, plant tissues, and plant seeds comprising these nucleotide constructs. The methods of the invention comprise introducing a combination of polynucleotides into a plant, wherein the polynucleotides provide for increased lipid biosynthesis and disruption of starch biosynthesis and/or starch storage, and optionally alteration of fatty acid metabolism. The methods and constructs find use in alteration of oil phenotype in a plant or plant part thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a serine O-acetyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the serine O-acetyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the serine O-acetyltransferase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a serine O-acetyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the serine O-acetyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the serine O-acetyltransferase in a transformed host cell.