Biology Special Seminar - Owen Atkin

Thermal biology of plant metabolism: global patterns, both now and in a future, warmer world

The Atkins lab studies plant metabolic responses to environmental gradients, including how leaf respiration varies within and among biomes across the globe. Working with climate modeling groups in the UK and USA, they are using the results of their field surveys to improve representation of leaf respiration in terrestrial biosphere models. They are also using molecular, biochemical and physiological studies to understand the factors responsible for temperature-mediated changes in respiratory metabolism, both in crop and natural ecosystem species.