Expression of the CER1 gene associated with production of stem epicuticular wax and pollen fertility. Biochemical studies showed that cer1 mutants are blocked in the conversion of stem wax C30 aldehydes to C29 alkanes, and they also lack the secondary alcohols and ketones. These suggested the CER1 protein is an aldehyde decarbonylase, but the exact molecular function of this protein remains to be determined.