Sequences of the cotton group 2 LEA/RAB/dehydrin proteins encoded by Lea3 cDNAs

The 18 cloned cotton Lea (late embryogenesis-abundant) mRNAs are a diverse group encoding proteins that may be desiccation protectants. Lea mRNAs are coordinately induced by ovule abscission in cotton embryos during the postabscission stage before desiccation and in cultured embryos by desiccation, osmotic stress, or exposure to ABA, a plant hormone that may be a transducer of water-related stresses. We have independently determined the sequence of D11 and, for comparative purposes, also determined the entire nucleic acid sequence of D147b and part of D71 and D131, three additional Lea3 cDNA clones.