Expression of Isopentenyl Transferase Gene Controlled by Seed-Specific Lectin Promoter in Transgenic Tobacco Influences Seed Development

Abstract

The bacterial isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene involved in cytokinin biosynthesis was fused with a seed-specific lectin promoter from soybean and introduced into tobacco. Under the control of the lectin promoter, the expression of the ipt gene increased cytokinin levels and promoted cell division in the embryo in transgenic tobacco seeds. Compared with controls, the number of plerome cell layers and the cell number of cotyledons and pleromes were significantly increased from 16 DAF (days after flowering); the embryo diameter of transgenic tobacco was enlarged at 16, 19, and 21 DAF (16.1%, 12.7%, and 13.9% increase, respectively). Furthermore, the soluble protein content of the transgenic mature seeds was increased by 9.8–22.2% and the dry weight of transgenic tobacco seeds was increased by 8.8–21.8% compared with that of controls. The transgenic tobacco seedlings also grew quickly and a greater increase in fresh weight compared with controls was observed at 20 and 35 days after germination (average 14% and 8% increase above controls, respectively).