Q. Given below are two statements: Statement I: Bt toxins are insect group specific and coded by a gene $cry$ IAc. Statement II: Bt toxin exists as inactive protoxin in $B.$ thuringienis. However, after ingestion by the insect the inactive protoxin gets converted into active form due to acidic pH of the insect gut. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
B) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
C) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
D) Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
Explanation
[Solution by Claude - not from source] Bt toxins are insect-group specific (e.g. $cryIAc$ for bollworms). The protoxin is activated by the alkaline, not acidic, pH of the insect gut, so II is false. (Medium confidence on Statement I.) Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.