Given below are two statements: Statement I : The Bt toxin protein exists as an inactive protoxin but is converted into an active form due to the acidic pH of the insect gut. Statement II : The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and creates pores that cause cell swelling and lysis. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Step-by-step solution

The Bt toxin protein exists as an inactive protoxin. Once an insect ingests the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the gut, which solubilises the crystals. Therefore, Statement I is false because it incorrectly mentions acidic pH. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and creates pores that cause cell swelling and lysis, eventually leading to the death of the insect. Therefore, Statement II is true. Answer: Statement I is false but St