The Question is from neet-botany biotechnology , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Which type of pest is the primary target of the Bt toxin produced by Bt cotton?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: Option B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Bt cotton and its pest control mechanism
 **Related Topics**: Genetic engineering in agriculture, pest management, insecticides
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of insect classification and the function of Bt toxin.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the primary target of Bt toxin in Bt cotton.
  Bt cotton is genetically modified to produce Bt toxin.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand the function of Bt toxin.
  Reasoning: Bt toxin is a biopesticide produced by *Bacillus thuringiensis* bacteria.  It is toxic to specific insect groups, not all insects.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable.
 2. Identify the target insect group of Bt toxin in Bt cotton.
  Working: Bt cotton is primarily engineered to target lepidopteran insects (moths and butterflies), which are major pests of cotton crops.  Different strains of Bt target different insect groups.
  Key Point: The specificity of Bt toxin is crucial for minimizing harm to non-target organisms.
 3. Select the correct option.
  Result: Option B (Lepidopteran insects) is the correct answer.
  Verification:  The widespread use of Bt cotton demonstrates its effectiveness against lepidopteran pests of cotton.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Coleopteran insects (beetles): While some Bt toxins target coleopterans, it's not the primary target in Bt cotton.
[B] ✓: Lepidopteran insects (moths and butterflies): This is the primary target of the Bt toxin in most commercially available Bt cotton varieties.
[C] :x: Dipteran insects (flies and mosquitoes): Bt toxins are not typically effective against dipterans in the context of Bt cotton.
[D] :x: Hymenopteran insects (ants, bees, wasps):  Bt toxins generally do not affect hymenopterans.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the different insect orders:  Understanding the characteristics of each insect order (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera) is crucial.
  2.Assuming all Bt toxins target all insects: Bt toxins exhibit specificity in their target insects.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that Bt cotton primarily targets lepidopteran pests.
  2.Associate Bt cotton with the major cotton pests, many of which are moths (Lepidoptera).

NISHANTH · Answer

Coleopteran insects

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Lepidopteran insects"

NISHANTH · Answer

Dipteran insects

NISHANTH · Answer

Hymenopteran insects

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