However, flux analysis is particularly attractive for two reasons. First, it can be applied without detailed knowledge of the pathway con- cerned and, second, it gives quantitative data [77]. There are two basic methods, metabolic flux analysis (MFA) [78] and metabolic control analysis (MCA). MFA has been used a little in oil crops [79,80] and can give a detailed understanding of observed flux values. MCA, on the other hand, examines the influences giving rise to measured flux values [77]. Important aspects of the application of flux analysis for the study of metabolic regulation have been summarised [81].