Explain the role of cry-genes in genetically modified crops.

Explanation

Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil dwelling bacterium which is commonly used as a biopesticide and contains a toxin called cry toxin . Scientists have introduced this toxin producing genes into cotton and have raised genetically engineered insect resistant cotton plants. During sporulation Bacillus thuringiensis produces crystal produces crystal proteins called Delta -endotoxin which is encoded by cry genes . Delta endotoxins have specific activities againts the insects of the orders Lepidoptera .,, Diptera , Coleoptera and Hymenoptera . When the insects ingest the toxin crystals their alkaline digestive tract denatures the insolubel crystals making them soluble . the cry toxin then gets inserted into the gut cell membrance and paralyzes the digestive tract . the insect then stops eating and straves to death.