2776 Views

Bt toxin is not toxic to human beings because


Jashan Garg 6th Feb, 2019
Answers (3)
Esha saxena 6th Feb, 2019
Hllo


Bt products are found to be safe for use in the environment and with mammals. The EPA (environmental protection agency) has not found any human health hazards related to using Bt. In fact the EPA has found Btsafe enough that it has exempted Btfrom food residue tolerances, groundwater restrictions, endangered species labeling and special review requirements. Bt is often used near lakes, rivers and dwellings, and has no known effect on wildlife such as mammals, birds, and fish.

Humans exposed orally to 1000 mg/day for 3-5 days of Bt have showed no ill effects. Many tests have been conducted on test animals using different types of exposures. The results of the tests showed that the use of Btcauses few if any negative effects.Bt does not persist in the digestive systems of mammals.

All the best!
Heena Gagwani 6th Feb, 2019

Bacillus Thuringiensis is a soil bacterium which produces proteins that kill insects like tobacco budworm, armyworm, beetles, dipterans (ie lepidopterans, coleopterans, dipterans). 

This protein exists as INACTIVE PROTOXIN but when it enters an insects ingests, the inactive toxin is then converted to an active form of toxin due to Alkaline pH of alimentary canal of insects which solubilises crystals. This activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and creates pores that cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually causes death of insect. 

Now as I mentioned the Bt Toxin is in inactive form. Bt toxin proteins do not kill the bacteria themselves because the toxin proteins occur in an inactive form called protoxins. When an insect ingests the inactive Bt toxin, it is converted to an active form of toxin due to alkaline pH of the gut which solubilises the protein toxin crystals. 

This Bt toxin is not harmful to humans because the conversion of pro Bt toxin to Bt toxin (inactive to active) takes place only in Highly Alkaline Conditions which is not present in humans. 

That's why Bt toxin is not harmful to human beings. 

If you still have any queries feel free to ask in the comment section down below. 

Neha Tolia 6th Feb, 2019

Hii jashan,bt toxin is not toxic to human beings because our stomach digests the concerned protein and due to this bt toxin is not toxic to humans.

Bt toxin is an activated form of an inactive protoxin form, crystal protein which is synthesized by a bacteria named Bacillus thuringiensis.

Good luck

Related Questions

VIT Bhopal University | M.Tec...
Apply
M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now
Amity University | M.Tech Adm...
Apply
Ranked amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings).
Graphic Era (Deemed to be Uni...
Apply
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Amity University Noida B.Tech...
Apply
Among Top 30 National Universities for Engineering (NIRF 2024) | 30+ Specializations | AI Powered Learning & State-of-the-Art Facilities
Amity Online MBA
Apply
Apply for an Online MBA from Amity Online.
UPES B.Tech Admissions 2025
Apply
Ranked #42 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements | Last Date to Apply: 14th August
View All Application Forms

Download the Careers360 App on your Android phone

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

150M+ Students
30,000+ Colleges
500+ Exams
1500+ E-books