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Question

What triggers activation of protoxin to the active toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in bollworm?

A
Acidic pH of stomach
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B
Body temperature
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C
Moist surface of midgut
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D
Alkaline pH of gut
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Solution

The correct option is D Alkaline pH of gut
Bt cotton is a transgenic GM (genetically modified) crop which is resistant to pests. The cry genes from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis are incorporated into the genome of the cotton plant to induce resistance towards the pests.

The cry gene codes for a crystalline toxic insecticidal protein which remains in the inactive protoxin mode in the plant cells. Once ingested by the insect, the alkaline pH in their gut activates the protoxin. The active toxin binds to the epithelial cells of the midgut and creates pores in the gut wall that cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually cause death of the insect.

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