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Similar term(s): Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt gene , Bt crops.
A naturally occuring bacteria that produces a protein toxic to certain types of insects.
The gene inside the bacteria that is responsible for producing that toxin - the Bt gene - can be transferred to crops, thereby making them more resistant to the corresponding insect.
Source: GreenFacts, based on University of Minnesota Glossary of
Biotechnology Terms
The Bt-toxin is poisonous to many moth and butterfly larvae, and some beetle and fly larvae, but not to humans. It has been available as a commercial insecticide since the 1960s.
Source: GreenFacts
Bacteria - Genetic Engineering
GreenFacts Summary on Genetically Modified Crops:
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