Question

What areCry proteins? Name an organism that produces it. How has manexploited this protein to his benefit?

Answer 1

Cryproteins are encoded by cry genes. These proteins are toxins, whichare produced by Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. Thisbacterium contains these proteins in their inactive from. When theinactive toxin protein is ingested by the insect, it gets activatedby the alkaline pH of the gut. This results in the lysis ofepithelial cell and eventually the death of the insect. Therefore,man has exploited this protein to develop certain transgenic cropswith insect resistance such as Bt cotton, Bt corn, etc.