Molecular genetics of epicuticular wax biosynthesis

The epicuticular wax (EW) layer that coats the outer surface of plants is composed of a variety of long chain length hydrocarbons. Genetic studies indicate that a very large number of genes are involved in wax production. However, the pathway(s) by which the waxes are synthesized and deposited onto the plant surface remain elusive. Recently, clones of several genes involved in the production of the epicuticular wax layer of Arabidopsis and maize have been isolated through genetic approaches. These clones will provide researchers with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the developmental and environmental regulation of this pathway, and may help to elucidate the biological function(s) of these surface lipids.