‘cry genes’ in Bacillus thuringiensiscodes for toxic insecticidal proteins that exist as inactive prototoxins.
These proteins when expressed in cotton crops through genetic engineering confers pest resistance against cotton bollworms and prevents damage. As the larva of these insects when feed upon cotton plant parts, the toxin gets activated in their gut, lysing their cells and leads to death thus, making them pest resistant.
What do ‘cry genes’ in Bacillus thuringiensis code for? State its importance for cotton crop.
Answers
Kalu dharmar
‘cry genes’ in Bacillus thuringiensiscodes for toxic insecticidal proteins that exist as inactive prototoxins.
These proteins when expressed in cotton crops through genetic engineering confers pest resistance against cotton bollworms and prevents damage. As the larva of these insects when feed upon cotton plant parts, the toxin gets activated in their gut, lysing their cells and leads to death thus, making them pest resistant.