By inserting a gene from the microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the corn genome. The gene codes a toxin that causes the formation of pores in the pest’s digestive tract. These pores allow naturally occurring enteric bacteria, such as E.Click to see full answer. Accordingly, how was corn genetically modified?Bt corn is a variant of maize that has been genetically altered to express one or more proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis including Delta endotoxins. The protein is poisonous to certain insect pests. Spores of the bacillus are widely used in organic gardening, although GM corn is not considered organic. what are the risks of genetically modified corn? Rats fed either genetically engineered corn or the herbicide Roundup had an increased risk of developing tumors, suffering organ damage and dying prematurely, according to a new study that was immediately swept up into the furor surrounding crop biotechnology when it was released Wednesday. Subsequently, question is, what is BT in genetically modified foods? Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops are plants genetically engineered (modified) to contain the endospore (or crystal) toxins of the bacterium, Bt to be resistant to certain insect pests. Currently, the most common Bt crops are corn and cotton.How does Bt corn kill insects?To kill a susceptible insect, a part of the plant that contains the Bt protein (not all parts of the plant necessarily contain the protein in equal concentrations) must be ingested. Within minutes, the protein binds to the gut wall and the insect stops feeding.
