Fundamentholfundamenthol

NEET 2019, Biology Q87: Biotechnological Applications in Medicine

NEET2019Paper 2019Biology
Q.

What triggers activation of protoxin to active Bt toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in boll worm?

  1. A

    Body temperature

  2. B

    Moist surface of midgut

  3. C

    Alkaline pH of gut

  4. D

    Acidic pH of stomach

Solution

Bacillus thuringiensis forms protein crystals during a particular phase of their growth. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. These protein exist as inactive protoxins but once an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into an active form of toxin due to alkaline pH of the gut which solubilize the crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and create pores that cause cell swelling and lysis and ventually cause death of insect.

Concept behind this question

Biotechnological Applications in MedicineNotes, formulas and examples →

More previous year questions on Biotechnological Applications in Medicine

Practice more Biology

Concept-wise practice with instant solutions on Fundamenthol.

Start practicing →