Professor Peter J. Nixon Professor of Biochemistry, Division of Biology, will present his Inaugural Lecture: ‘Repairing the ‘Engine of Life’: how plants have solved their energy crisis’.
Abstract: Solar Energy protein complexes termed photosynthetic reaction centres. The photosystem two complex, which is the subject of the lecture, has been termed the ‘engine of life’ because it not only provides energy for the cell but also catalyses the splitting of water into molecular oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere. Without the development of this unique biological reaction, aerobic life would not have flourished on Earth. Recently dramatic progress has been made in understanding not only how the ‘engine of life’ works but also how it is repaired in the cell following irreversible damage by visible and ultraviolet radiation. This repair pathway is vital for plants to thrive in the field and is a potential target for crop improvement.
Biography: Research Fellow, E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co. Inc. (1988-1991); Royal Society University Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College (1992-1995); Lecturer, Imperial College (1995-1999); Senior Lecturer (1999-2002); Reader (2002-2005); Professor of Biochemistry (2005-present). Director of the Energy Futures Lab (2005-present). His major research interests lie in the area of oxygenic photosynthesis and in particular understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in converting solar energy into chemical energy within photosynthetic reaction centres, especially the photosystem two complex which splits water into molecular oxygen. Peter Nixon’s lab has expertise in the genetic manipulation and biochemical analysis of a variety of photosynthetic organisms ranging from cyanobacteria and green algae to crop plants. More recently his lab has begun to develop strategies for the production of high-value products in plants.
A pre lecture tea reception will be served in the Senior Common Room from 17.15.
