Strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce toxic proteins that can kill:
A. Gambusia
B. Lepidopterans
C. Coleopterans
D. Dipterans
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → B, C and D only
Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) make a crystal protein that is toxic to certain insects. The protein is an inactive protoxin. It is changed into the active toxin by the alkaline pH of the insect gut, and it then damages the gut so that the insect dies.
A. Gambusia — Incorrect. Gambusia is a fish. It is not an insect, and it is not killed by the toxin. The fish is used for the biological control of mosquito larvae.
B. Lepidopterans — Correct. Tobacco budworm and armyworm are killed.
C. Coleopterans — Correct. Beetles are killed.
D. Dipterans — Correct. Flies and mosquitoes are killed.
NCERT Extract:
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture – …
