We describe a novel mutation in theChlamydomonas reinhardtii STA11 gene, which results in significantly reduced granular starch deposition and major modifications in amylopectin structure and granule shape. This defect simultaneously leads to the accumulation of linear malto-oligosaccharides. The sta11-1mutation causes the absence of an α-1,4 glucanotransferase known as disproportionating enzyme (D-enzyme). D-enzyme activity was found to be correlated with the amount of wild-type allele doses in gene dosage experiments. All other enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis, including ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, debranching enzymes, soluble and granule-bound starch synthases, branching enzymes, phosphorylases, α-glucosidases (maltases), and amylases, were unaffected by the mutation. These data indicate that the D-enzyme is required for normal starch granule biogenesis in the monocellular alga C. reinhardtii.

This article deals with the influence of both morphology and amount of Typha on hygrothermal behavior of a Typha–clay composite for building application. An agromaterial containing the fiber mix of Typha Australis and clay was made in three samples: three fiber mixtures were prepared with different amounts Typha and cut type (transversal or longitudinal). The physical properties of these materials were studied in terms of porosity, apparent and absolute density, thermal conductivity, and hygric properties. Results show a real impact of the Typha fraction type and its volume content on hygrothermal properties of the studied material due to the porosity. The transversal fraction of Typha (80% in volume weight) seems to be the optimal composition for a better hygrothermal behavior.