*2.5. Important Cis-Acting Elements in RsAP2 Promoters*

Upstream sequences (2 kb) were extracted according to the chromosomal locations of RsAP2 genes. Cis-acting elements were detected by using the Plant Cis-Acting Regulatory Element (PlantCARE) and the results showed elements with several putative functions. These elements were divided into three main categories according to their putative functions, including plant growth regulation, responses to abiotic stress and MYB binding sites (Figure 6). The cis-acting elements ABRE and LTR, which respond to abscisic acid and are involved in low-temperature responsiveness, respectively, were widely found as promoters of the 106 and 68 RsAP2 genes, respectively. These findings indicate the vital function of RsAP2 in counteracting environmental stress, especially cold stress.

**Figure 6.** Cis-acting elements in *RsAP2* promoters.
