The present invention is directed to lecithin:cholesterol
acyltransferase-like polypeptides (LCAT) and acyl CoA:cholesterol
acyltransferases-like polypeptides (ACAT). The invention provides
polynucleotides encoding such cholesterol:acyltansferases-like
polypeptides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, and the use
of such polynucleotides to alter sterol composition and oil production in
plants and host cells. Also provided are oils produced by the plants and
host cells containing the polynucleotides and food products, nutritional
supplements, and pharmaceutical composition containing plants or oils of
the present invention. The polynucleotides of the present invention
include those derived from plant sources.