Described are recombinant DNA molecules comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein having serine acetyltransferase (SAT) activity and optionally a nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein having cysteine-.gamma.-synthase (C.gamma.S) activity; wherein said nucleic acid molecule(s) are operably linked to regulatory elements allowing the expression of the nucleic acid molecule(s) in plant cells. Also provided are vectors comprising said recombinant DNA molecules as well as plant cells, plant tissues and plants transformed therewith. In addition, the use of the aforementioned recombinant DNA molecules and vectors in plant cell and tissue culture, plant breeding and/or agriculture is described as well as the use of the aforementioned plants, plant tissue and plant cells for the production of food, feed and additives therefor.