Question

Select the statement which is not true about Bt toxin

• A. Bt toxin can harm humans if consumed
• B. Bt toxin is present in the inactive form in the plant and needs alkaline pH to be activated
• C. Bt toxin is encoded by Cry gene
• D. Bollworm is not the only insect that is killed by Bt toxin

Answer 1

The correct option is A Bt toxin can harm humans if consumed

Bt toxin is a protein encoded by cry gene that can kill insects such as bollworm and corn borer. It is produced in an inactive form, but gets modified and becomes lethal when it introduced to an alkaline environment such as the gut of the insects. Human gut cells do not have the receptors for this protein and hence it is not toxic to them.