Short Answer TypeWhy do lepidopterans die when they feed on Bt cotton plant? Explain how does it happen.
Bt cotton plants are the transgenic plants that express a Bacillus thuringiensis gene called cry gene. This gene, encodes for protein crystals having insecticidal properties against insects of group Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera. Inside the bacterium, these proteins remain inactive and does not harm the bacteria. However, these inactive crystals can get activated in the alkaline pH of the gut of insects upon ingestion. After activation, these crystals can bind to the receptors present on the membranes of gut epithelial cells. Due to this binding, the membrane swells and pores are created on them. These pores lead to bursting of cell. Hence, soon the lepidopteran die due to starvation.
Long Answer TypePublic all over India is very much concerned about the deteriorating air quality in large parts of North India. Alarmed by this situation the Resident’s Welfare Association of your locality organised an awareness programme entitled ‘Bury not burn’. They invited you, being a biology student to participate.
(a) How would you justify your arguments that promote burying and discourage burning?
(Give two reasons)
(b) With the help of flow charts, one for each practice, depict the chain of events that follow.
(a) Arrange the following hormones in the sequence of their secretion in a pregnant woman.
(b) Mention their source and the function they perform.
State and explain the ‘law of independent assortment’ in a typical Mendelian dihybrid cross.
Discuss the role of healthy ecosystem services as a prerequisite for a wide range of economic, environmental and aesthetic goods and services.
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