This three-year Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences totals $554,112 to support research at the University of Missouri System titled "Collaborative Research: Mechanisms of Pollen-Specific Phospholipases in Maize Haploid Production." The research aims to elucidate the roles of two pollen-specific phospholipases, PPLAII? and PLD3, in sperm genome transmission and haploid seed production in cereal crops. Specifically, the investigators will determine the catalytic roles of these enzymes in haploid and seed production, characterize their effects on pollen and sperm membrane lipid homeostasis, and measure lipid dynamics and effects on sperm-egg fusion. The results have potential to identify chemical and molecular modifiers to enhance haploid induction for crop improvement. This award supports the Biological Sciences program's goals of advancing the biological sciences and strengthening the Nation's scientific enterprise through basic research on major problems confronting the Nation.