UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies
Question 130: Science and Technology
The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Bt cotton carries a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that makes the Cry toxin, a protein poisonous to bollworm caterpillars but harmless to humans. Monsanto's Bt cotton was approved for commercial cultivation in India in 2002 after field trials. Bacillus subtilis is a common soil bacterium used for industrial enzymes. Remember that Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Bacillus subtilis is used for enzymes and probiotics, not for Bt toxin.
- (b) Right: Bacillus thuringiensis.
- (c) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is not the source of the Bt toxin gene.
- (d) Bacillus globli is not the source of the Bt toxin gene.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.