Question

Biotechnologists identified the source and isolated different types of cry genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated that into many crops. Briefly explain how have these genes brought beneficial changes in the genetically modified crops and to mankind?

Answer 1

Bt toxin genes were isolated from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and was incorporated into several crops like cotton, tomato etc.
The choice of the genes depends on the crop and the targeted pest, as most Bt toxins are insect group specific. This toxin is coded by a gene named ‘cry’, e.g. Gene cry IAc and cry IIAb control cotton bollworms and that of cry IAb controls com borer.