Erin Casey

• BSc (Hons) Biology
• Modulation of carbon assimilation and induction of Crassulacian Acid Metabolism (CAM)

Carbon assimilation in plants can be limited by environmental stresses (e.g. drought). Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a successful adaptation to drought in about 7% of plants. CAM plants take up CO₂ during the night to limit water loss by evapotranspiration and have higher water use efficiencies compared to C3 and C4 plants. Many plants shift to CAM under water-stress showing high metabolic flexibility, thus they might provide valuable knowledge and tools for developing crops of the future. This project aims at getting insights into CAM induction in Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, a plant that shifts from C3 to CAM under drought-stress.

Funding source: Newcastle University