Bt toxin source in transgenic cotton — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2001
The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bacillus thuringiensis
- Bacillus amyloliquifaciens
- Bacillus globlii
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- Bacillus thuringiensis is the bacterium from which the toxin gene was transferred to develop insect-resistant Bt cotton. The bacterium produces Bt toxin proteins that are harmful to certain insect pests, especially bollworms, thereby providing resistance to the cotton plant. This genetically modified cotton was developed by Monsanto.
Answer: (b) Bacillus thuringiensis
