The Bt toxin protein exist as inactive pro-toxins but once an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active form. From the following identify the correct cause of activating the toxin.

Question

The Bt toxin protein exist as inactive pro-toxins but once an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active form. From the following identify the correct cause of activating the toxin. (A) Acidic condition of the gut (B) Optimum plasma osmolality in the gut (C) Action of digestive enzymes in the gut (D) Alkaline condition of the gut

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that kill certain insects such as lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles), and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes). B. thuringiensis forms protein crystals that contain a toxic insecticidal protein. The Bt toxin protein on ingestion is converted into an active form due to the alkaline pH of the gut of insects which solubilize the crystals.

Q. The Bt toxin protein exist as inactive pro-toxins but once an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active form. From the following identify the correct cause of activating the toxin.

Acidic condition of the gut

Optimum plasma osmolality in the gut

Action of digestive enzymes in the gut

Alkaline condition of the gut