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Dion Durnford's diverse research interests center around the evolution and function of pigment-binding proteins in plants and algae, specifically light-harvesting complexes. These proteins play a critical role in absorbing light and passing energy to the photosynthetic machinery, which drives the fixation of CO2 from the atmosphere into organic carbon to support plant growth. However, under high light levels, these proteins can switch to efficient dissipaters of light, providing protection to the plant. His research delves into the dynamic responses of light levels, examining how changes in light intensity are sensed by cells and how this information is communicated through cellular mechanisms to regulate the composition and abundance of the photosynthetic apparatus. His lab also investigates senescence processes in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, with a focus on factors that control longevity once cultures reach the stationary phase of growth and how to protect them from light-induced stress during senescence.
University of New Brunswick • Fredericton
Leading research and academic initiatives in the Department of Biology, focusing on plant and algal biology.
Department of Business / Department of Management / Department of Business Administration