We investigate the genes and proteins involved in biosynthesis of complex polysaccharides and glycoproteins in the plant cell wall, using arabidopsis and rice as model plants. Besides the fundamental scientific importance of these studies, understanding wall biosynthesis and regulation may allow us to develop crop plants that are more suitable feedstocks for biofuel production. Techniques used in the lab include biochemistry, spectroscopy, molecular genetics, cell biology and bioinformatics.