NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
What is the Bt toxin used for in agriculture?
Options
- AAs an insecticide
- BAs a bio-pesticide
- CAs a fertilizer
- DNone of the above
Correct answer
B. As a bio-pesticide
Step-by-step solution
Some of the applications of biotechnology in agriculture that you will study in detail are the production of pest resistant plants, which could decrease the amount of pesticide used. Bt toxin is produced by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt for short). Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to insects without the need for insecticides; in effect created a bio-pesticide. Examples are Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato, potato and soyabean etc.