Stomatal pores on plant leaves control plant gas exchange. They are formed by two guard cells and control the balance between carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis and water loss. Guard cells have mechanisms to detect and respond to changes in environmental conditions and thereby adjust stomatal aperture. This project uncovers and further investigates guard cell components and signalling pathways that are necessary for stomatal movements using physiological, molecular and biochemical methods in Arabidopsis. We will also utilize genetic and physiological approaches to study stomatal function in birch trees. The information can be used for breeding for improved water-use efficiency, climate resilience and carbon sink effects in plants. This has implications for establishing food security and maintaining forests as carbon sinks. The research is carried out at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences of University of Helsinki.

2025

2029