What is the reason for death of bollworms due to Bt toxin protein?

Options

A. Inhibition of nerve impluse
B. Disturbed digestion of food in foregut
C. Creation of pores that cause cell swelling and lysis in midgut
D. Lysis of cells of hindgut

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Bt Toxin Protein**:
- The Bt toxin protein is produced by the bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis*. This bacterium is known for its insecticidal properties.

2. **Genetic Modification**:
- The gene that encodes the Bt toxin protein is inserted into cotton plants, resulting in genetically modified cotton known as Bt cotton. This modification allows the cotton to produce the toxin, making it resistant to pests like bollworms.

3. **Mechanism of Action**:
- When bollworms ingest the Bt cotton, they also consume the Bt toxin protein. The protein is initially inactive while in the bacterium.

4. **Activation of the Toxin**:
- Upon ingestion, the Bt toxin protein becomes activated in the alkaline environment of the insect's gut.

5. **Formation of Pores**:
- The activated Bt toxin binds to specific receptors in the midgut epithelial cells of the bollworm, leading to the formation of pores in the cell membranes.

6. **Cell Swelling and Lysis**:
- The creation of these pores causes the cells to swell and eventually undergo lysis (breakdown). This disrupts the integrity of the midgut lining.

7. **Resulting Death of the Insect**:
- The lysis of the midgut cells leads to the insect's inability to digest food properly, resulting in starvation and ultimately death.

8. **Conclusion**:
- The correct reason for the death of bollworms due to Bt toxin protein is the creation of pores that cause cell swelling and lysis in the midgut.