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  4. Cry-I endotoxins obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis are effective against

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Q. Cry-I endotoxins obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis are effective against

BHUBHU 2010

Solution:

Insect resistant transgenic plants contain either a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis or some other gene. The Cry gene of Bacillus thuringiensis produces a protein, which forms crystalline inclusion in the bacterial spores. These crystal proteins are responsible for the insecticidal activities of the bacterial strains. Cry-I endotoxins are effective against Lepidoptera (eg, flies). Cry-V and Cry-VI proteins are effective against nematodes. Cry-IV proteins are effective against Diptera (mosquitoes). When Cry proteins are ingested by insects, they are dissolved in the alkaline juices present in the midgut lumen. The gut proteases process them hydrolytically to release the core toxic fragments. The toxic fragments are believed to bind to specific high affinity receptors presents in the brush border of midgut epithelial cells and causing their swelling and eventual lysis.