Flavonoid biosynthetic pathways have been targeted for bio-engineering as flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and vasodilatory activities. Our research interest is in developing plants that are a source of the flavonoid compounds and that are also tolerant to abiotic stress. The focus of our study is a family of proteins called 14-3-3 which are known signaling factors in eukaryotes. Our strategy is to map the nodes of the phenylpropanoid pathway affected by 14-3-3. This data will be used to manipulate the 14-3-3 genes that would result in increased production of flavonoids. Our laboratory has identified an isoform (14-3-3 λ) that demonstrates a role in drought tolerance and also affects the biosynthesis of flavonoids. To determine the role of the 14-3-3 λ in the phenylpropanoid pathway, we are using a reverse genetics approach, in which the amounts of secondary metabolites produced in a 14-3-3 λ knockout mutant are compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia-0) throughout their development and in drought conditions by LCMS. Our results indicate that 14-3-3 λ may be a negative modulator in flavonol glycoside biosynthesis in wild-type (Columbia-0) Arabidopsis during both development and drought stress response.