Many alpha-amylase genes have been cloned from various cereals, and sequence analysis reveals that these fall into two major classes and three subfamilies. In parallel studies, many alpha-amylase isoforms have been characterized and their corresponding genes identified. Understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that operate to control expression of the alpha-amylase multigene family has also advanced in recent years. In the light of the improved understanding of alpha-amylase activity, we have addressed a classical argument over the 'scutellum versus aleurone' concept. This disagreement concerns the site of synthesis and secretion of alpha-amylase. We have focused our attention on this by comparing gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level.