WHEAT Granule-bound starch synthase 1,
Wheat Granule-bound starch synthase 1 (GBSSI) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of amylose, a linear polymer of glucose that is one of the two major components of starch in wheat grains.  [Image of Wheat grain]  Here's a breakdown of GBSSI's function:  * **Location:** Granules within the amyloplast (starch storage organ) of wheat endosperm (starchy part of the grain). * **Function:** Elongates linear chains of glucose molecules (amylose) during starch synthesis. * **Impact:** Mutations in the GBSSI gene can lead to waxy wheat, a type of wheat with very low amylose content and starch with different physicochemical properties.  Understanding GBSSI is important for several reasons:  * **Wheat Quality:**  Different starches with varying amylose content have different functional properties that affect the quality of wheat flour for various food applications.  * **Genetic Engineering:**  Scientists can potentially manipulate GBSSI activity to develop wheat varieties with waxy or high-amylose starch for specific end-uses.