It is thought to provide protection for the cytoplasm during the desiccation stage of embryo development. In seeds only. Specifically located to vascular bundles in the cotyledon and axis of the dry seed. Also found in the epiderm and outer layers of the cortex in the embryo axis. First appears in immature seeds and is maximally expressed in dry seeds. By abscisic acid (ABA). Belongs to the small hydrophilic plant seed protein family.