🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2000Space & Space Technology

Insect-resistant cotton plants have been genetically engineered by inserting a gene from a /an

avirus
bbacterium
cinsect
dplant Science and Technology 537
✓ Correct answer: b) bacterium
ExplanationInsect-resistant cotton, commonly known as Bt cotton, has been genetically engineered by inserting a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).This bacterium naturally produces a protein toxic to specific insect pests, such as bollworms, but is safe for humans and non-target organisms.The Bt gene produces a protein that disrupts the digestive system of the pests upon ingestion, ultimately killing them.Bt cotton has significantly reduced the dependence on chemical insecticides and has become a widely adopted technology for pest management in cotton farming.30

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