Question

Bt toxin kills the insect by

• A. blocking mitochondrial respiration
• B. blocking transfer of nerve impulse
• C. creating pores in body surface
• D. creating pores in mid-gut epithelial cell

Answer 1

The correct option is D creating pores in mid-gut epithelial cell

After ingestion by the insect, the protoxin is converted/cleaved into shorter versions of the protein that display the toxic activity. These bind to the mid gut epithelium and create pores that cause cell swelling and lysis. The insect is unable to feed and consequently starves to death.