Comparison of gene expression in sorted B. megaterium cells (productive subpopulations compared to less productive subpopulations) using quantitative RT-PCR. Genes encoding the main components of the pSSBm85 expression system (xylT, xylR, and gfp) were investigated. The xylose repressor gene, xylR, and the target gene, gfp, were induced about 150-fold and 500-fold, respectively. In contrast, the xylose transporter gene, xylT, was expressed constitutively.