Question

GM Bt brinjal has been developed in India for

• A. Enhancing mineral content
• B. Insect resistance
• C. Enhancing shelf life
• D. Drought resistance

Answer 1

The correct option is B Insect resistance

Bt brinjal
Bt brinjal is a genetically modified plant. Its genome has the $cry$ gene from the bacterium, $Bacillusthuringiensis$. The $cry$ gene codes for a protoxin crystal protein which, when ingested by insects, gets activated at the alkaline pH in their gut. This occurs due to the solubilisation of the crystal proteins.
The active toxin generates pores in the epithelium of the midgut of the insects. This results in the swelling of the cells followed by lysis. Thus, Bt brinjal is an insect resistance plant.
Final answer
(D) Insect resistance