How Bt Crops are Produced?
A procedure known as genetic engineering is used to generate Bt crops, in which target plant genomes are modified to contain certain Bacillus thuringiensis genes. A typical procedure for producing Bt crops looks like this:
- Identification of Bt genes: The genes of Bacillus thuringiensis that encode for insecticidal proteins more especially, the Cry proteins, are found and isolated by scientists.
- Gene Cloning: A multiple copy of the chosen Bt genes is produced by cloning in preparation for their eventual transmission.
- Construction of a Bt Gene Cassette: The Bt genes that have been cloned are integrated into a genetic construct known as a gene cassette. Typically, this construct consists of various regulatory components as well as a promoter region that drives gene expression.
- Transformation: Through a process known as genetic transformation, the gene cassette is inserted into the genome of the target plant. Various strategies, such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or biolistic (gene gun) technologies, can be used to accomplish this.
- Selection and regeneration: Selectable markers are used to identify plants that have effectively absorbed the Bt genes, and these transformed cells are subsequently regenerated into complete plants.
- Evaluation: The newly produced Bt plants are subjected to extensive evaluation in controlled field trials to evaluate their performance, including insect resistance and general agronomic qualities.
Bt Crops
Bt Crops’ full form is Bacillus thuringiensis crops. Bt Crops are a class of genetically modified (GM) crops, those that have had their genes taken from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. Bt crops are genetically modified with cry protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, which results in resistance against specific pests. In this article, we will learn about Bt crops, their development, types, advantages and disadvantages, and mode of action in detail.
Table of Content
- Definition of Bt Crops
- What are Bt Crops?
- Examples of Bt Crops
- How Bt Crops are Produced?
- Different Types of Bt Crops
- Bt Crops in India
- Advantages of Bt Crops
- Disadvantages of Bt Crops
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