Question

(a) Give the scientific name of the soil bacterium which produces crystal (Cry) proteins., (b) How are these proteins useful in agriculture?, (c) What do the terms Cry and cry represent?

Answer 1

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a spore forming bacterium that produces crystals protein (cry proteins), which are toxic to many species of insects. There are thousands of different Bt strains, producing over 200 cry proteins that are active against an extensive range of insects and some other invertebrates. Bt is largely used in agriculture, especially organic farming. Bt is also used in urban aerial spraying programs, and in transgenic crops. Cry proteins are a large family of crystalline toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis. Individually, the family members are highly specific, but collectively, they target a diverse range of insects and nematodes.