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Why do lepidopterans die when they feed on Bt cotton plant? Explain how does it happen. |
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Answer» Bt cotton contains inactive toxin protein or protoxin. These are insecticidal protein in the form of crystal protein. Once the insect ingests its the inactive protoxins is converted into active form due to alkaline pH in the gut, which solubilise the crystals. The activated toxins bind to the surface of midgut epithelial cells, thus creating pores which causes cell swelling and lysis, eventually leading to the death of the insect pest. |
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