Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a grass crop highly recognized for its positive human health benefits when consumed as a whole grain. These health benefits are due in part to mixed-linkage-(1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan (referred to as beta-glucan), a soluble fiber found mainly in the endosperm cell walls. Because of the implications associated with consumption of oat beta-glucan, this research explores the genetic basis of beta-glucan synthesis in oats.