Identify the gene which is effective against corn borer.

The correct answer is Option (2) → cryIAb

Option (1) cryIAc — Incorrect. Its protein controls the cotton bollworms.

Option (2) cryIAb — Correct.

Option (3) cryIIAb — Incorrect. Its protein also controls the cotton bollworms.

Option (4) z gene — Incorrect. The z gene of the lac operon codes for β-galactosidase; it has nothing to do with insect control.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 20-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2022 on 20-08-2022 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – “… Specific Bt toxin genes were isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated into the several crop plants such as cotton (Figure 10.1). The choice of genes depends upon the crop and the targeted pest, as most Bt toxins are insect-group specific. The toxin is coded by a gene cryIAc named cry. There are a number of them, for example, the proteins encoded by the genes cryIAc and cryIIAb control the cotton bollworms, that of cryIAb controls corn borer.”