Dr. John Thompson

John Thompson is recognized nationally and internationally for his distinguished contributions to the understanding of plant senescence. His pioneering work in this field has established that membrane deterioration plays a pivotal role in the aging process. Through a combined biochemical and biophysical approach, he and his students have elucidated a sequence of changes in the molecular organization of membrane lipids during senescence that leads to destabilization of the bilayer and ensuing loss of membrane function. They have characterized various manifestations of this destabilization including lipid phase separations in the bilayer. bulk lipid rigidification and the formation of non-bilayer lipid. Their studies of the biochemical basis for these changes and of the physiological implications of a destabilized bilayer have significantly enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying capitulation to aging (and certain types of environmental stress). Indeed, Dr. Thompson's contributions have provided a new and exciting dimension to the field of plant senescence that have gained him wide respect as a leader and genuine innovator.