Production of modified polymeric carbohydrates

The cloning of a gene responsible for the phosphorylation of glucans has ma de it possible to genetically engineer the phosphorylation level of starche s in higher plants. Through the manipulation of starch synthase activity, i t is now also possible to genetically tailor the chain-length distribution in the amylopectin. Both findings will lead to the development of novel sta rches utilized as a renewable resource. The production of fructans on a lar ge scale can also be envisioned for the near future.