Pest-Resistant Crops: Bt Cotton
Detailed study of *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) toxin gene and its application in developing pest-resistant cotton varieties to reduce pesticide use.
What is Pest-Resistant Crops: Bt Cotton?
An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Key points
- Explain the genetic basis of Bt cotton's pest resistance.
- Identify the source and function of the Bt toxin.
- Discuss the advantages of Bt cotton over conventional cotton.
- Recognize the specificity and safety of Bt toxin for non-target organisms.
Common exam trap
Assuming Bt toxin is harmful to humans or all insects.
Definitions
- Term
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
- Meaning
An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
- Term
Bt Toxin
- Meaning
A protein produced by *Bacillus thuringiensis* that is toxic to certain insect larvae, used in pest-resistant crops.
- Term
Cry Gene
- Meaning
A gene found in *Bacillus thuringiensis* that codes for the production of insecticidal crystal proteins (Bt toxins).
- Term
Bollworm
- Meaning
A common name for the larvae of several species of moths that damage cotton bolls.
Learning objectives
Explain the genetic basis of Bt cotton's pest resistance.
Identify the source and function of the Bt toxin.
Discuss the advantages of Bt cotton over conventional cotton.
Recognize the specificity and safety of Bt toxin for non-target organisms.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of genetics and gene transfer.
Knowledge of plant biology and agricultural practices.
Familiarity with microorganisms like bacteria.
Common mistakes
Assuming Bt toxin is harmful to humans or all insects.
Confusing Bt cotton with other types of pest resistance.
Not understanding the specificity of the Bt toxin.
Overlooking the role of the bacterial gene in the plant's defense.
Keywords
Bt Cotton
Bacillus thuringiensis
Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology
Pest Resistance
Cry Gene
Bt Toxin
Bollworm
GMO
Insecticide
Agriculture
Practice preview
The development of Bt cotton is an example of which type of biotechnology application?…
easy
While Bt cotton offers significant advantages, concerns have been raised regarding the development of resistance in pest populations. Which of the following strategies is MOST effective in delaying the evolution of resis…
hard
Which of the following is the bacterium commonly used to develop pest-resistant crops like Bt cotton?…
easy