In this WP we will extend basic understanding of biomass polysaccharide composition and structure in maize and miscanthus and investigate the function of genes potentially involved in their biosynthesis using data from WP2. Information from this WP will help identify key genes for breeding strategies, identify genes that link polysaccharides with lignin (WP4), and generate vital information on polysaccharides composition to allow better biomass digestion (WP5) and identify strategies for added value polysaccharide-based products for WP6 and 7.

WP3 leader: Dr Paul Dupree (P9, University of Cambridge, UK)