Question

Which statement about the toxin from B. thuringiensis is false?

1) The toxin is produced by a bacterium
2) The toxin is harmful to insects
3) The toxin is harmless to humans
4) The toxin is a protein

Answer 1

The false statement is that the toxin from Bt is harmful to humans; it is actually safe for human use and utilized by organic farmers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about the toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that is false is: The toxin is harmful to humans. Bt toxin is actually considered harmless to humans and other mammals, and it is approved for use by organic farmers as a natural insecticide. The true statements are: (1) Bt toxin is indeed produced by a bacterium. (2) It is harmful to insects, as it has to be ingested and then becomes activated in their intestines, usually resulting in the insect's death within a few days. (3) The toxin is a protein, which is why it is specific to certain insects, and doesn't affect humans or other mammals.