Question

BT corn is a genetically modified organism that contains a gene from bacteria that live in soil. This inserted gene allows the corn to kill the corn borer caterpillar because____________.

Answer 1

Bt corn contains a gene from bacteria that produces a protein crystal toxic to insects. This protein acts as an insecticide, killing insects that feed on the corn. Bt corn reduces the need for farmers to use harmful insecticides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bt corn contains a gene from bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces a protein crystal toxic to many insect species. This protein acts as an insecticide by stopping insects that eat the Bt corn from feeding on the plants and causing their death within a few days. The gene allows Bt corn to kill the corn borer caterpillar and reduces the need for farmers to use insecticides.

For example, the introduction of Bt crops has been estimated to reduce the use of insecticide in the United States by over 100 thousand tons, representing a 19.4% reduction. Bt corn is considered safe for the environment and non-toxic to humans and other mammals, making it approved for use by organic farmers as a natural insecticide.

Answer 2

The inserted gene from the bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) produces a protein (Bt delta endotoxin) which kills the corn borer caterpillar by binding to the gut wall of the insects when the insects ingest a part of the plant that contains this protein. The insect would stop feeding immediately this protein binds to the gut wall of the insect, which leads to the eventual death of the corn borer caterpillar as the gut wall breaks down.