Seems to function as a defense factor. Thionins are small plant proteins which are toxic to animal cells. They seem to exert their toxic effect at the level of the cell membrane. Their precise function is not known. Detected in rosette leaves and at a very high level in flowers and in siliques. Highly induced in seedlings by pathogens, wounding, silver nitrate, and methyl jasmonate. Belongs to the plant thionin (TC 1.C.44) family. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.