NEET Botany

Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis work by binding to specific receptors in the alkaline midgut of susceptible insects, forming pores that lead to cell lysis and death. This is the well-established mechanism of Bt toxin action, making it selective for certain insect orders.

The GEAC under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approves GM crops in India after safety and efficacy assessment.

Somatic embryogenesis produces complete plants directly from embryos, ensuring genetic fidelity better than organogenesis which may show variations.

Bt Cotton is the only GM crop commercially cultivated and approved in India since 2002, with extensive adoption across states.

MAS uses molecular markers (DNA sequences) to identify and select plants carrying desired genes without waiting for phenotypic expression.

Southern blotting detects integrated DNA sequences in the plant genome, confirming stable genetic transformation.

Repeated exposure to Bt toxin can lead to the evolution of resistant insect populations, a major concern in sustainable agriculture.

Bt technology specifically transfers bacterial genes for insecticidal proteins. Drought resistance requires different genes and mechanisms.

T-DNA (Transfer DNA) is the specific segment of the Ti plasmid that integrates into the plant genome during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Somaclones are plants regenerated from somatic cells via tissue culture, genetically identical to the parent plant unless mutations occur.