NEET2014ZoologyBiotechnology and Its ApplicationsActual
What is true about Bt toxin?
Options
- ABt protein exists as active toxin in the Bacillus.
- BThe activated toxin enters the ovaries of the pest to sterilise it and thus prevent its multiplication.
- CThe concerned Bacillus has antitoxins.
- DThe inactive protoxin gets converted into active form in the insect gut
Correct answer
D. The inactive protoxin gets converted into active form in the insect gut
Step-by-step solution
Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that kill certain insects like lepidopterans and coleopterans, etc. Bacillus thuringiensis forms some protein crystals. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. Bt toxin proteins exist as inactive protoxins, but once an insect ingests the inactive toxin it is converted to active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the alimentary canal that solublizes the crystals.