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Home >> Plant Biotechnology and Genomics >> Genetically Modified-GM Crops and Floricultural Plants >> Bt Endotoxins and their Genes


Bt endotoxins and their genes


Bt toxins, symbolized as Cry meaning crystalline (reflecting the crystalline appearance of δ-endotoxin), were initially classified into four distinct classes, based on their host range. These are CryI (active against Lepidpoptera), Cryll (active against Lepidoptera and Diptera), CryIII (active against Coleoptera) and Cry IV (active against Diptera).

Many more classes have been added to these classes (e.g., CryV, CryVI and Cry IX) and new strains have been shown to be active against nematodes and other pests.

So far 50 genes for 50 Cry proteins are known, of which 28 genes were isolated from 14 different Bt subspecies that have been shown to be active against insects. Additional 30 Cry proteins described in the literature do not have any insecticidal properties, although they may be effective against nematodes and mites.

These Cry genes are being variously modified to acquire new activities, thus extending the range of their insecticidal/nematicidal properties. The different Bt endotoxins (Cry) and their activity against specific insects are listed.

 

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