Question

Which of the following is NOT correct about Bacillus thuringiensis?

• A. It can be sprayed on plants.
• B. It can kill insects.
• C. It can kill harmful bacteria.
• D. It's toxin has been genetically engineered.

Answer 1

The correct option is C It can kill harmful bacteria.

Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium that produces a toxin, which when ingested by cotton bollworm brings about their death. Hence, it can be used as an environment-friendly pesticide or insecticide. However, it has no action on bacteria or fungi which are harmful to plants. It's spores can be sprayed on crop plants. Bt-Cotton has been genetically engineered for containing the gene coding for the toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis.