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SUMMARY:Evolution of C4 grasses: from genes to globe - Colin Osborne\, She
 ffield
DTSTART:20111020T150000Z
DTEND:20111020T160000Z
UID:TALK31541@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Jill Harrison
DESCRIPTION:C4 photosynthesis is one of the most important physiological i
 nnovations in land plants. This talk will consider its evolutionary histor
 y and ecological significance in the grasses\, where the C4 pathway has ma
 jor ecological and economic importance. I will discuss recent advances in 
 two particular areas\, beginning with our latest understanding of the ecol
 ogical selection pressures for C4 photosynthesis\, and considering the rol
 es of CO2\, open environments and plant hydraulics. Secondly\, I will cons
 ider some unexpected new evidence about the molecular evolution of this co
 mplex physiological trait\, based on work in a grass lineage which may rep
 resent a "hotbed" of C4 evolution. Throughout\, I will highlight the impor
 tance of evolutionary history for understanding C4 plant biology. 
LOCATION:Sainsbury Laboratory\, Cambridge University\, Bateman Street
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