Natalia Pabón-Mora

Degrees

Current Research Activities

Biological Systems and Organisms

Interested in understanding the molecular basis of plant morphology, in particular the genetic mechanisms underlying developmental changes in flowers and fruits. Also interested in learning the extent to which genetic models built on model plant research can be extrapolated to non-model plants in the tropics.Current projects include 1. Understanding the functional evolution of the APETALA1/FRUITFULL gene lineage, important in leaf development, flowering transition and floral organ identity. 2. Exploring genes involved in fruit development in dry vs fleshy fruits in the Solanaceae, Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae. 3. Characterizing changes in gene copy number and gene regulation responsible for the loss of petals in a genus of Neotropical poppies. And 4. Understanding gene regulation in spiny leaves versus laminar leaves.

Affiliations