Question

Bt-toxins are released as inactive crystals in the bacterial body. What happens to it in the cotton boll worm body that it kills the boll worm ? [1]

Answer 1

In the cotton boll worm body, Bt-toxin is converted into an active protein due to the alkaline pH of its gut. The toxin binds to the midgut cells, creates pores and causes swelling and lysis of the cells. This kills the boll worm. [1]