Bt corn contains genes from which organism that produces insecticidal proteins?

Bt corn contains genes from which organism that produces insecticidal proteins?

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Bacillus thuringiensis
• C. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Answer: (B)

Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium that naturally makes insecticidal Cry proteins during its life cycle. In Bt corn, the gene for one of these toxins is inserted so the plant itself produces the protein in its tissues. When a susceptible insect larva feeds on the corn, the Cry protein is activated in the gut, binds to specific receptors on gut cells, and creates pores that disrupt the gut lining, leading to the insect’s death. This targeted approach provides pest protection while generally being safe for humans and many non-target organisms. The other organisms listed don’t supply the well-known Bt Cry toxins used in these crops.

Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium that naturally makes insecticidal Cry proteins during its life cycle. In Bt corn, the gene for one of these toxins is inserted so the plant itself produces the protein in its tissues. When a susceptible insect larva feeds on the corn, the Cry protein is activated in the gut, binds to specific receptors on gut cells, and creates pores that disrupt the gut lining, leading to the insect’s death. This targeted approach provides pest protection while generally being safe for humans and many non-target organisms. The other organisms listed don’t supply the well-known Bt Cry toxins used in these crops.