Em protein may act as a cytoplasm protectant during desiccation. Expressed in dry seeds and immature embryos. By abscisic acid (ABA). The induction of Em proteins by abscisic acid may be mediated by the cis-element, termed the ABA-responsive element (ABRE), which binds a Leucine-zipper protein, Em bp1. Belongs to the small hydrophilic plant seed protein family.