Which one of the following Bt toxin genes of Bacillus thuringiensis is used to control corn borers?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → cryIAb
The cry genes of Bacillus thuringiensis code for Bt toxins. Each toxin kills a particular group of insects, so the choice of gene depends on the crop and the pest.
(1) cryIAb — Correct. Its protein controls the corn borer.
(2) cryIAc — Incorrect. Its protein controls the cotton bollworms.
(3) cryIIAb — Incorrect. This also controls the cotton bollworms.
(4) cryIIAc — Incorrect. NCERT does not name a gene of this kind.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 20-08-2022 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – …
