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There are many people who assisted me in ways large and small in the performance of this research and to whom I am indebted. Without their catalytic, nearly enzymatic function this would not have been possible. Dr. Erin Irish has been reliably helpful and patient in our collaboration, which is to say, she was an excellent mentor. The members of my committee are also owed a great due, having given not only their time and attention but also material support and advice. Dr. John Manak was instrumental in the design, use, and analysis of the microarrays; I also thank several members of his lab: Abby Long, for performing the microarray hybridizations, and Salleh Ehaideb and Juan Santana for advising me on cDNA synthesis. Dr. Chi-Lien Cheng coauthored the grant which funded the research, lent the use of specialized equipment, and provided attentive advice on a weekly basis for years at our joint lab meetings. I thank also her students Dr. Angela Cordle (who answered questions and provided favors by the dozen) and Dr. Lihn-Thui Bui for their help and good company. Many people of the Biology Department also have my appreciation: Phil Ecklund and Dr. Bernd Fritzch for their counsel and encouragement, Dr. Gery Hehman for reliably going above and beyond at the CCG, Ken Snyder and Ray Tallent for excellent operation of the greenhouse, and Setu Vora and Matt Colson for collaboration in the lab and the maize genetics conferences. Thanks to Dr. Ming-Che Shih and Dr. Joe Miller for the opportunities they gave me to do research as an undergraduate. The experience in their labs was an effective transition from coursework to research. I would finally like to thank my family and friends for centering me outside the laboratory. To my parents in particular-thank you for seeing me through my own juvenility. This project was chiefly funded by a grant from National Science Foundation; I also personally recognize the Cone Fellowship for regular summer support.