Question

Bt cotton is an example of genetically engineered cotton.

a) What does Bt stands for?

b) Name the gene responsible for Bt toxin production. 

c) How does the toxin kill the insect?

Answer 1

a) Bacillus thuringiensis 

b) Cry gene

c) Bt toxin protein exist as inactive protoxins it is converted into an active form in the presence of the alkaline pH of insect gut. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and create pores that cause cell swelling and lysis and results in the death of insect.