Encodes a putative transcription factor MEDEA (MEA) that negatively regulates seed development in the absence of fertilization. Mutations in this locus result in embryo lethality. MEA is a Polycomb group gene that is imprinted in the endosperm. The maternal allele is expressed and the paternal allele is silent. MEA is controlled by DEMETER (DME), a DNA glycosylase required to activate MEA expression, and METHYLTRANSFERASE I (MET1), which maintains CG methylation at the MEA locus. MEA is involved in the negative regulation of its own imprinted gene expression; the effect is not only allele-specific but also dynamically regulated during seed development. In the ovule, the MEA transcripts are accumulated at their highest level before fertilization and gradually decrease after fertilization
