NEETZoologyBiotechnology and Its Applications
What type of insects are affected by the Bt toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis?
Options
- AMosquitoes
- BBeetles
- CArmyworms
- DFlies
Correct answer
A. Mosquitoes
Step-by-step solution
Bt Cotton: Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that kill certain insects such as lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles) and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes). B. thuringiensis forms protein crystals during a particular phase of their growth. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. Why does this toxin not kill the Bacillus? Actually, the Bt toxin protein exist as inactive protoxins but once an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active for