On the embedded primes of the Mayr-Meyer ideals (Q1881115)

Let \(I\) be an ideal in an \(n\)-dimensional polynomial ring, generated by \(f_1,\dots, f_k\). It is well known that if the maximum degree of a generator is \(d\), then it is possible to write any \(f\) in \(I\) as \(f=\sum r_if_i\) with each \(r_i\) of degree at most deg\(f+(kd)^{2^n}\). Mayr and Meyer found families of ideals for which such a bound is indeed achieved. In the preceding paper: J. Algebra 267, No. 1, 137--155 (2003; Zbl 1082.13014), \textit{I. Swanson} proved that the doubly exponential behaviour is due to the embedded primes. In the paper under review the embedded primes of Mayr and Meyer ideals are studied. By considering some exact sequences a set of primes ideals is given which contains all associated primes of the ideals under consideration. The last part of the paper is devoted to remove part of the redundant prime ideals, which is a hard process. It is interesting to note that within the analysis a new family of ideals emerges which has also the doubly exponential property and has the advantage that the associated primes can be found recursively. The paper ends with a list of open questions about the embedded primes of Mayr and Meyer ideals.