Fill in the blanks
B. thuringiensis form a protein crystal during a particular ____(a)______these crystals contain a toxic_______(b)________

Answer

To fill in the blanks for the statement regarding Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis), we can follow these steps:

1. **Identify the context**: The question pertains to Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium known for its insecticidal properties. It forms protein crystals during a specific phase of its life cycle.

2. **Determine the phase**: B. thuringiensis forms protein crystals during the **sporulation** phase. This is the stage in which the bacteria undergo a process to produce spores and associated protein crystals.

3. **Identify the toxic substance**: The protein crystals formed by B. thuringiensis contain a toxic **insecticidal protein**. This protein is often referred to as **Cry protein** or **Cry toxin**, which is toxic to certain insects when ingested.

Now, we can fill in the blanks:

B. thuringiensis forms a protein crystal during a particular **(a) sporulation**; these crystals contain a toxic **(b) insecticidal protein**.