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Question #45183
The Question
The widespread cultivation of Bt cotton expressing the cry1Ac gene exerts intense selection pressure on cotton bollworms. Integrating principles of biotechnology and ecology, which of the following statements regarding the action of the Cry toxin and its ecological cascading effects is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The inactive protoxin is solubilized by the alkaline pH of the insect gut and subsequently binds to specific receptors on the surface of foregut epithelial cells.
- B.
Prolonged deployment of Bt crops can cause the localized eradication of susceptible pests, potentially leading to the co-extinction of their obligate hyperparasitoids.
- C.
Bollworm populations can develop resistance to the Cry1Ac toxin through evolutionary mutations that modify the structural conformation of their midgut epithelial receptors.
- D.
The binding of the activated delta-endotoxin creates pores in the epithelial cells, causing cellular swelling, lysis, and the eventual death of the insect.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Cry toxin|Alkaline pH midgut|Alien Species Invasion Impacts
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Location Specificity and Cross-Chapter Synthesis Trap.
Students often memorize 'alkaline pH' and 'epithelial cells' but overlook the precise anatomical location ('midgut' vs 'foregut').
Furthermore, students might incorrectly flag Option B as false because it introduces an ecological concept (co-extinction) into a biotechnology question, testing their ability to synthesize information across NCERT units.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Cry Gene Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |