Q. $Bt$ toxins are initially inactive protoxins but after ingestion by the insects their inactive toxin becomes active due to the
A) Alkaline pH of the gut
B) Acidic pH of the gut
C) Temperature of the gut
D) Hormone present in the gut
Explanation
Alkaline pH of the gut. Bt toxin is an intracellular crystalline protein. Specific Bt toxin genes obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis are used in several crop plants like cotton. Bt toxins are initially inactive protoxins but after ingestion by the insects their inactive toxin becomes active due to the alkaline pH of the gut which dissolves the crystals
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.