Primary metabolism is a part of a cellular metabolic network essential to maintain cellular homeostasis and is conserved through the domains of life. While the enzymes mediating individual reactions and metabolic pathways have been characterized, the molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulation of primary metabolism and its influences on phenotypes remain elusive. Our lab is pursuing to elucidate 1) metabolic functions of the Krebs tricarboxylic acid cycle multi-enzyme complex, 2) gene-metabolism-phenotype relationships in crop plants, and 3) anti-inflammatory compounds in crop-derived food products.