The Expression of the Bacterial Gene for Xylose(Glucose) Isomerase in Transgenic Tobacco Plants Affects Plant Morphology and Phytohormonal Balance

The gene encoding xylose(glucose) isomerase (P00944, EC 5.3.1.5) in Escherichia coli was put under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter and transferred to Nicotiana tabacum L. plants using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector. Transgenic plants, which synthesized an active bacterial enzyme, were characterized by the accelerated development of the root system, more rapid accumulation of total plant weight, and larger leaves. These changes were correlated with a changed hormonal balance and a changed activity of the chloroplast-gene expression.