The $B t$ toxin in genetically engineered $B t$ cotton kills the pest by:

The $B t$ toxin in genetically engineered $B t$ cotton kills the pest by:
  1. Creating pores in the midgut
  2. Damaging the respiratory system
  3. Degenerating the nervous system
  4. Altering the pH of body fluids

Solution

Option (1) is the correct answer because the activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and creates pore that cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually cause death of the insect. $B t$ toxin doesn't kill pest by affecting their respiratory system, nervous system and it doesn't alter the pH of body fluids. So, options (2), (3) and (4) are not the answer.

Asked in: NEET 2024 (Re-NEET)

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