*3.3. GhSAMS Genes Expression under Drought and Salt Stress*

Since the cis-acting elements analysis predicted that *GhSAMS* genes' function might be closely related to stress response, we examined their expression patterns under drought and salt stress in leaves and roots via RT-qPCR and using available RNA-Seq data (Figures 3 and S1). The *GhSAMS* genes' expression patterns showed significant variations, as some were downregulated while others were highly up-regulated within the leaves and roots under the stress conditions. The RT-qPCR results were significantly correlated with the RNA-Seq in the leaf and root tissues. In general, most of the analyzed genes exhibited higher expression in the leaves (Figure 3a,c) than in the roots (Figure 3b,d). The expression of *Gh\_A08G1067*, *Gh\_A09G1368*, *Gh\_A12G1098*, *Gh\_D02G0636*, *Gh\_D07G1294*, *Gh\_D08G1348*, *Gh\_D11G1117*, and *Gh\_D12G1222* was significantly induced by both the drought and salt stress in the leaves. It is worth noting that *Gh\_A08G1067* (*GhSAMS2*) expression was significantly up-regulated under the drought and salt stress in both the tissues (Figure 3), indicating that it might be critical for upland cotton's tolerance to abiotic stresses.
