Abstract

Stomata are pores found, typically, on the surfaces of leaves and their acquisition is believed to be one of the key factors leading to the successful radiation of the early terrestrial flora. They are surrounded by two guard cells. In responses to changes in the environment and, or endogenous signals, the guard cells increase or decrease in turgor causing the pore to open or close. Changes in stomatal aperture result in changes to transpirational water loss and the uptake of carbon dioxide. These in turn, play out in terms of alterations in dry matter accumulation, leaf cooling, nutrient uptake and the ability to withstand reductions in soil water availability. A complex intracellular signalling network is responsible for coupling extracellular signals to alterations in guard cell turgor. This lecture will focus on stomatal evolution where there are still many fundamental questions that remain unanswered and also, if time permits, will discuss recent results that have relevance to developing crops that are more resistant to climate and environment change.

Due to having to go online, we are restricting the talks to University of Cambridge and alumni to keep them as informal as possible.

Contact reception@plantsci.cam.ac.uk for a Zoom link prior to a talk.