Bt toxin does not kill bacteria because it exists as an inactive protoxin. When Bt toxin is ingested by an insect, it is converted into its active form due to the alkaline pH of the gut. The activated toxin binds to the surface of the epithelial cells of the midgut and create pores. Water entered causes swelling and lysis of cells in insect body.
Why do the toxic insecticidal proteins secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis kill the insect and not the bacteria itself?
Answers
Bipin-loharia
Bt toxin does not kill bacteria because it exists as an inactive protoxin.
When Bt toxin is ingested by an insect, it is converted into its active form due to the alkaline pH of the gut. The activated toxin binds to the surface of the epithelial cells of the midgut and create pores. Water entered causes swelling and lysis of cells in insect body.