Lucia Strader

Biography

Associate Professor Biology Plant and Microbial Biosciences Program.

Research Interest

My research is elucidating the relationships between the plant hormones auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), and ethylene and determining the role of the auxin precursor IBA in plant development. The auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a critical hormone, controlling both cell division and cell expansion and thereby orchestrating many developmental events and environmental responses. Normal plant morphogenesis and environmental responses require modulation of auxin levels and responsiveness by interaction with other hormones, controlling biosynthesis, regulating transport, and managing storage forms. One auxin storage form is the side chain-lengthened compound indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which is shortened into IAA by peroxisomal β-oxidation.