Question

A toxic protein delta endotoxin in insecticidal and is produced by

• A. Agrobacterium
• B. Frankia
• C. Bacillus thuringiesis
• D. Salmonella

Answer 1

The correct option is C Bacillus thuringiesis

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 belongs to the family of bacteria, Bacillus sp.

B.cerus strains produce toxins that cause gastroenteritis (food poisoning) in humans. Bt is differentiated from B.cerus because it contains a plasmid that produces the protein crystals that are toxic to insects. Bt does not cause food poisoning. Bt is largely used in agriculture, especially organic farming. Bt is also used in urban aerial spraying programs, and in transgenic crops.