Utilization of Bacillus thuringiensis in Genetically Modified Crops

Introduction

Figure 1. Scanning electron micrograph of a colony of Bacillus thuringiensis cells prior to sporulation.

By Zoë Frazier

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Introduce the topic of your paper. What microorganisms are of interest? Habitat? Applications for medicine and/or environment?

Structure and Phylogeny

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

History

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Life Cycle

Figure 2. Transition electron micrograph of Bacillus thuringiensis at the final stage of sporulation. The parasporal crystals are indicated using white arrows. These crystals are produced in the fourth through sixth stages of sporulation and are toxic to insects if consumed [1].

Figure 2.

Bt Toxins

Figure 3. Electron micrograph of the crystalline protein toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis. The insecticidal properties of these proteins were first discovered by Christopher Hannay in 1955. Micrography by Jim Buckman (2006) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis#/media/File:Bt-toxin-crystals.jpg.

Figure 3.

Bt Crops

Figure 4. The overall process of the production and binding of the Cry proteins. The Cry proteins are directly produced by Bt crops that have the Cry gene integrated into its genome. The toxins produced by the Cry proteins bind to the gut receptors of the target organism, resulting in the organism's death.

Figure 4.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Bt Crops

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Evolved Resistance and Secondary Pests

Figure 5. The survival of western corn rootworm larvae when exposed to (A) Cry3Bb1 corn, (B) mCry3A corn, and Cry34/35Ab1 corn. The black bars indicate populations of western rootworm larvae that had been collected from cornfields in 2011. The white bars indicate the control group of western rootworm larvae that had been isolated in the NCARL since before 2003 [10].

Figure 5.

Conclusion

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References

[1] Ibrahim, M.A., N. Griko, M. Junker, and L.A. Bulla. 2010. Bacillus thuringiensis: A genomic and proteomics perspective. Bioengineered Bugs 1:1, 31-50.

[2]