Production of modified polymeric carbohydrates.
The cloning of a gene responsible for the phosphorylation of glucans has made it possible to genetically engineer the phosphorylation level of starches in higher plants. Through the manipulation of starch synthase activity, it is now also possible to genetically tailor the chain-length distribution in the amylopectin. Both findings will lead to the development of novel starches utilized as a renewable resource. The production of fructans on a large scale can also be envisioned for the near future.
Heyer
A G
AG
Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, D-14476 Golm, Germany. heyer@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
Lloyd
J R
JR
Kossmann
J
J
D001704:Biopolymers; D002236:Carbohydrate Conformation; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D019663:Chenopodiaceae / Q000378:metabolism; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000378:metabolism
D001704:Biopolymers; D002241:Carbohydrates