Transcription factor AtTCP14 regulates embryonic growth potential during seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana . To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of seed germination , we searched enriched cis elements in the upstream regions of Arabidopsis genes whose transcript levels increased during seed germination . Using available published microarray data , we found that two cis elements , Up1 or Up2 , which regulate outgrowth of Arabidopsis axillary shoots , were significantly over - represented . Classification of Up1 - and Up2 - containing genes by gene ontology revealed that protein synthesis - related genes , especially ribosomal protein genes , were highly over - represented . Expression analysis using a reporter gene driven by a synthetic promoter regulated by these elements showed that the Up1 is necessary and sufficient for germination - associated gene induction , whereas Up2 acts as an enhancer of Up1 . Up1 - mediated gene expression was suppressed by treatments that blocked germination . Up1 is almost identical to the site II motif , which is the predicted target of TCP transcription factors . Of 24 AtTCP genes , AtTCP14 , which showed the highest transcript level just prior to germination , was functionally characterized to test its involvement in the regulation of seed germination . Transposon - tagged lines for AtTCP14 showed delayed germination . In addition , germination of attcp14 mutants exhibited hypersensitivity to exogenously applied abscisic acid and paclobutrazol , an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis . AtTCP14 was predominantly expressed in the vascular tissues of the embryo , and affected gene expression in radicles in a non - cell - autonomous manner . Taken together , these results indicate that AtTCP14 regulates the activation of embryonic growth potential in Arabidopsis seeds .