**4. Molecular regulation of seed development for improved yield**

Overexpression, targeted mutagenesis and mutation breeding are examples of recent biotechnological strategies that have been used to manage seed development for increased yield. The activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthase (SS) includes granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) and soluble starch synthase (SSS), starch branching enzyme (SBE), debranching enzyme (DBE), and amylase catalyzes the synthesis and accumulation of endosperm storage components, primarily starch, in cereal crops [84–87]. AGPase catalyzes the first committed step of starch biosynthesis, namely the conversion of Glc-1-P and ATP to ADP-glucose and pyrophosphate (PPi). Through a new −1,4-linkage, the glucose moiety from ADP-glucose is transferred to the non-reducing end of the -glucan receptor of existing chains of amylose and amylopectin [86]. In addition few transporters and transcription factors also play an important role in the regulation of the biosynthesis of starch [88, 89]. Modification of these enzymes has the drastic effect on different aspects of starch such as composition, and finally grain yield and summarized in **Table 2**.


**Table 2.**

*Molecular approaches for improved seed yield in cereal crops.*
