Question

Which step in the Bt cotton mechanism directly results in insect death?

Options

• Activation of the protoxin in the alkaline gut

• Binding of toxin to epithelial cells

• Cell swelling and lysis in the midgut, leading to severe gut damage and paralysis

• Pore formation in the gut wall

Answer 1

While multiple steps lead to the final outcome, insect death results from the cumulative damage caused by cell swelling and lysis in the midgut. These perforations in the gut wall destroy the insect's digestive system, leading to paralysis and preventing nutrient absorption. Without a functional digestive system, the insect cannot survive and ultimately dies from starvation and internal failure.