Question 4 of 13intermediate💡 UnderstandMCQ1 mark

Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do not kill the bacteria themselves because –

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 4 | (Page 10)
For More Understanding

Explanation

Option (C) is correct because the provided text states that Bt toxin proteins exist as inactive protoxins within the bacteria. The toxin is only converted into its active form when an insect ingests it, due to the alkaline pH of the insect's gut which solubilises the crystals. Since the toxin is in an inactive state while inside the bacteria, it does not harm the organism producing it.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the state of the toxin inside the bacteria from the text. The text states the toxin exists as 'inactive protoxins'.

  2. Step 2: Identify the condition required for activation. The text mentions the toxin is activated only after ingestion by an insect due to 'alkaline pH of the gut'.

  3. Step 3: Conclude that since the toxin is inactive inside the bacteria, it does not kill the bacteria. This matches Option (C).

PreviousNext