Increase of cell membrane stability in tobacco plant by transferring AtEXPB2 gene

Expansin protein is a component of the cell wall generally accepted to be the key regulator of cell wall extension during plant growth. Expansins loosen the cell wall in a pH-dependent manner. In this study transgenic AtEXPB2 plants were investigated in normal growth condition. Subsequently some of their physiological, biochemical and molecular traits were measured. Plant materials were transgenic lines; L3, l4, l9 and wide type plant as control. Seeds of three transgenic lines and control were cultured in selective MS and MS medium, respectively. Then transgenic seedlings were grown in greenhouse. Transgenic plants had better antioxidant enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase as well as higher photosynthetic pigments and proline content. Control plant had higher membrane phospholipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Result of relative expression of AtEXPB2 revealed that this transformed gene was being expressed in transgenic lines. Generally transgenic lines had better performance in comparison to wild type plant.