Encodes a ABA-inducible protein that accumulates during seed maturation, in parallel with its corresponding mRNA but with a 3 d delay. During germination, AtEm1 protein undergoes two successive cleavages before being degraded. Both proteins are more stable than the corresponding mRNA. The gene can be activated by the basic leucine zipper transcription factor ABI5. Expressed predominantly in provascular tissues with the strongest expression in the root tip.