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 dek1 and superal proteins, vectors capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Also provided is an isolated promoter natively associated with the maize dek1 coding region; and expression cassettes, vectors, and host cells comprising the promoter seuquence.

Abstract: Recombinant constructs useful for reducing the expression of endogenous mRNA and any substantially similar endogenous mRNA are disclosed. In particular, a recombinant construct comprising, inter alia, a suitable nucleic acid sequence and its reverse complement can be used to alter the expression of any homologous, endogenous RNA (i.e., the target RNA) which is in proximity to this suitable nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes encoding polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases. Compositions and methods for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate are provided. Such compositions and methods find use in producing biodegradable thermoplastics in host cells and transgenic plants. Isolated nucleotide molecules, isolated polypeptides, expression cassettes and genetically manipulated host cells, plants, plant tissues, plant cells and seeds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: The invention relates to the genetic manipulation of plants to increase oil accumulation in plant tissues, particularly seeds. Methods for decreasing &bgr;-oxidation in plants and optimizing oil accumulation in a seeds are provided. The methods find use in increasing the accumulation of oil or particular oil constituents in plant seeds. Isolated nucleotide molecules, isolated proteins, expression cassettes and transformed plants, plant tissues and plant cells are additionally provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided that encode maize UDPGdH variant UDPGdH, and mutant UDPGdH proteins. These nucleic acid molecules can be used to produce transgenic plants having altered quality or quantity of starch. Also provided are vectors capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing, such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: A transgenic plant cell is provided containing a DNA molecule encoding an enzyme selected from the group consisting of fructosyltransferase, glucosyltransferase B, mutants of glucosyltransferase B, glucosyltransferase C, glucosyltransferase D, mutants of glucosyltransferase D and functional fragments of each enzyme. A transgenic plant regenerated from the plant cell is also provided. A method of improving the ensilability and the nutritional value of plants is also provided comprising introducing into the cells of the plant an expression cassette comprising the above DNA molecule operably linked to a promoter functional in the cells of the plant to yield transformed plant cells, and regenerating a transformed plant from the transformed cells. The transformed plants also provide improved digestibility in ruminants.

Abstract: A transgenic plant cell is provided containing a DNA molecule encoding an enzyme selected from the group consisting of fructosyltransferase, glucosyltransferase B, mutants of glucosyltransferase B, glucosyltransferase C, glucosyltransferase D, mutants of glucosyltransferase D and functional fragments of each enzyme. A transgenic plant regenerated from the plant cell is also provided. A method of improving the ensilability and the nutritional value of plants is also provided comprising introducing into the cells of the plant an expression cassette comprising the above DNA molecule operably linked to a promoter functional in the cells of the plant to yield transformed plant cells, and regenerating a transformed plant from the transformed cells. The transformed plants also provide improved digestibility in ruminants.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Rgp nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering RGP levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by glucosyltransferase D enzymes of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the sizing and coating steps of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step. In particular, the present invention provides plant cells and plants transformed with Streptococcus mutans genes encoding wild-type or mutant glucosyltransferase D enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase C enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step. In particular, the present invention provides plant cells and plants transformed with the Streptococcus mutans gene encoding the glucosyltransferase C enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by glucosyltransferase B enzymes of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the sizing and coating steps of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step. In particular, the present invention provides plant cells and plants transformed with Streptococcus mutans genes encoding wild-type or mutant glucosyltransferase B enzymes.

Abstract: A transgenic plant cell is provided containing a DNA molecule encoding an enzyme selected from the group consisting of fructosyltransferase, glucosyltransferase B, mutants of glucosyltransferase B, glucosyltransferase C, glucosyltransferase D, mutants of glucosyltransferase D and functional fragments of each enzyme. A transgenic plant regenerated from the plant cell is also provided. A method of improving the ensilability and the nutritional value of plants is also provided comprising introducing into the cells of the plant an expression cassette comprising the above DNA molecule operably linked to a promoter functional in the cells of the plant to yield transformed plant cells, and regenerating a transformed plant from the transformed cells. The transformed plants also provide improved digestibility in ruminants.