Question

Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) strains have been used for designing novel
A. Bio-metallurgical techniques
B. Bio-mineralization processes
C. Bioinsecticidal plants
D. Biofertilizers

Answer 1

Hint: Bacillus Thuringiensis (or BT) is a Gram-positive and soil-dwelling bacterium. BT is commonly used as a biological pesticide. Many crystal-producing BT strains, but, do not have insecticidal properties. The subspecies israelensis is mainly used for the control of mosquitoes and for fungus gnats.

Complete answer:
Bio-metallurgical techniques: Biometallurgy is a useful thing, used to describe biotechnological processes that involve interplay between microorganisms and metals or metal-bearing minerals.
Bio-mineralization processes: Biomineralization is the procedure by which the matrix of living organisms gets mineral crystals deposited. This process gives rise to inorganic, based skeletal structures such as bone during development, etc.
Bio Insecticidal plants: Bioinsecticides is based on entomopathogenic fungi. It has been used for decades now. However, conidia (a spore produced asexually) produced by these fungi are very sensitive to abiotic factors. The main strategy is there to overcome this, which is encapsulation in order to prevent a fungal matrix. Encapsulation adds value to the product in polymer matrices, which preserves their properties and viability. Nanostructured materials with the same chemical composition or not may have all the crystallites and interface boundaries, resulting in structures known as nanocomposites.
Biofertilizers: A biofertilizer is a substance that contains living microorganisms in it. When we apply it to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, promote their growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
The bacterium which produces an endotoxin is called Bacillus thuringiensis. The bacterium contains a gene called a cry gene and this cry gene produces crystal proteins. In the alkaline pH of the gut of the pests, these proteins get activated. This protein causes pores in the gut, later results in the bursting of the cells and death of the insects. Because of this property, these are considered bio pesticides. From the bacterium, this gene can be used for designing plants that are resistant to pests. The effectiveness of Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) may be reduced after two or three years of storage. Dry formulations last longer than liquid formulations. But products should be stored out of sunlight and in cool and also dry conditions.