Metallothioneins have a high content of cysteine residues that bind various heavy metals (Probable). Acts as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger in the cytosol. Possesses superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro (PubMed:15220467). Plays a role during root development, lateral root initiation and seed embryo germination, possibly by regulating levels of cytokinin (PubMed:18258694). Highly expressed in inflorescences. Expressed in roots and leaves (PubMed:15220467, PubMed:17002881). Expressed in root primordium, pericycle, phloem and in the basal parts of lateral roots (PubMed:18258694). During embryo development, expressed in the top of the scutellum at 7 days after pollination (DAP). In the germinating embryos, expressed in the scutellum and the cap of the radicle at 2 days after germination (DAG). At 4 DAG, still expressed in scutellum, and appears in the vascular bundle of shoot. In florets of young panicle, expressed in the pedicel and the basement of glumes. In florets of older panicle, expressed in the pedicel, basement of glumes, anthers and pistils. Expressed in the basal parts of ovaries before pollination and in the basal parts of stigmas and ovaries after pollination. By Fe, Zn and auxin in roots, and Cu and Mn in shoots. Down-regulated by cytokinin and cold stress in roots and shoots. Down-regulated by Cu and salt stress in roots (PubMed:18258694). Sinergically down-regulated by RAC1 and sphingolipid elicitor (PubMed:15220467). Down-regulation by RAC1 during pathogen infection may potentiate ROS which function as signals in resistance response (PubMed:15220467). Plants silencing MT2C show abnormal plant growth and root formation (PubMed:18258694). Belongs to the metallothionein superfamily. Type 15 family.