Question

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains have been used for designing novel
A. Bio metallurgical techniques
B. Biomineralization processes
C. Bio insecticidal plants
D. Biofertilizers

Answer 1

Bt strains, the strains of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are widely used in the field of biotechnology. Some strains of this bacterium produce proteins that are toxic to insects and specific Bt toxin genes are cloned in many varieties of plants these days, the most important of which is cotton to develop cotton plants that are resistant to insects and to ensure their growth.

Complete answer:

Option -A- Bio metallurgical techniques
In these processes certain heavy metals and rare earth elements are recovered from waste or concentrates of mineral from mineral ore and earth substrates are extracted with the use of some microbes which are important for extracting these by the production of organic and inorganic acids have metal-binding ability example are some algae, fungi bacteria, etc.
Option – B- Biomineralization processes.
It is naturally occurring and not a biotechnology-based technique. By this process, living organisms produce some important minerals to form bones, teeth, shells outside their body as a part of the exoskeleton to harden the tissues.
Option-C- Bio insecticidal plants
These are a very important aspect of biotechnology and insect-resistant plants produced by the incorporation of Bt toxin genes in some of the plants. These genes code for the proteins which kill insects and thus enhance the growth of the plants. Strains of Bacillus thuringiensis are used.
Option-D- Biofertilizers
Fertilizers are incorporated along with some microbes in the soil such as fungi, blue-green algae, bacteria to enhance the growth of plants and increase the supply of essential nutrients. Such as Rhizobium. There is no use of any technique or genes developed by biotechnology.

So, the correct answer to this question is option “C” i.e. Bio insecticidal plants.

Note: A question may arise in your mind “Why doesn’t the toxin kill the Bacillus itself ?”, it is because this strain is present in Bacillus as protoxin, but when it enters the insect it is activated by the alkaline pH of the gut of the insect and creates pores in its gut thereby killing it.