Write a short note on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Explanation

Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil-borne, Gram-positive bacterium. It is used to create a transgenic crop plant . having resistance to several diseases. The genes encoding for insecticidal properties in the bacterium are isolated and incorporated into crop plants by using advanced biotechnological methods. The bacterial spores can also be sprayed on the crops. They are ingested by insects and create pores in their gut wall which leads to their death. Thus Bt-toxins work as biocontrol agent.