Bacillus thuringiensis has great potential in biological control of pests. Discuss.

Explanation

The Cry proteins are toxic proteins (insecticidal protein) secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis in crystal f m during a particular phase of their growth. The toxin is coded by a gene named cry The specific Bt toxin genes are isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated into several crop plants such as otton. The choice of genes depends upon the crop and the target pest as most Bt toxins are insect group specific. The proteins encoded by the genes cry IAc and cry IIAL control the cotton bollworms, and cry I Ab control corn borer. Once the post ingests the protoxin (inactive toxin), it becomes active t oxin in the get in the alkoline conditions. It solubilises crystals and binds to surface of epithelial cells of migut and create pores. It cause cells swelling, lysis and eventually cause death of the insect.