This volume presents the physiological and biochemical aspects of storage carbohydrates, or starch granules, in plants. This up-to-date and thorough resource carefully integrates fundamental knowledge with the most recent information on the starch granule. It discusses the chemistry of the starch granule and the biochemistry, molecular biology, plant physiology, and genetics of plant starch synthesis. The books also describes the implications of these studies for theseed, biotechnology, and modified starch industries. Key Features* Written for a broad readership* Emphasizes the recent findings on the properties of starch biosynthetic enzymes and on studies describing their localization* Details the implications these studies have on the seed, biotechnology, and modified starch industries* Includes numerous references to the original literature* Introduces the reader to the most important individuals and discoveries in the field