Q. $Bt$ toxin kills insects by

A) Inhibiting protein synthesis
B) Generating excessive heat
C) Creating pores in the midgut epithelial cells, leading to cell swelling and lysis
D) Obstructing a biosynthetic pathway
Explanation

Bt toxins are initially inactive protoxins but after ingestion by the insects, their inactive toxins becomes active due to the alkaline pH of the gut which solublise the crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of the midgut epithelial cells thus, creating pores which causes cell swelling and lysis, further leading to death of the insects

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.