Q38.3-2CC. Why does Bt maize have less fumo... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 38: Q38.3-2CC. (page 838)

Why does Bt maize have less fumonisin than non-GM maize

Short Answer

Expert verified

Bt maize is a transgenic plant type containing the Bt toxin and has 90 percent less of a fungal toxin that causes cancer and birth problems than non-Bt maize. This suggests that some GM foods may be healthier than non-GM foods.

Step by step solution

Bt maize

Bacillus thuringiensisis the source of the genes needed to genetically alter a variety of food crops to generate the toxin on their own to discourage various insect pests. Bt maize is one of the famous examples of genetically modified plants.

Fumonisin

Fumonisin comes from Fusarium verticillioides, a fungus that regularly contaminates corn and corn-based products. It is most frequently recognized in veterinary medicine as a cause of swine pulmonary edema and horse leukoencephalomalacia.

Genetically modified organism

GMOs have been genetically engineered for a specific purpose. The goal may be beneficial or harmful. GMO crops have much greater yields and frequently contain micronutrients not seen in natural plants.

A fungus (Fusarium) that infects insect-damaged maize produces fumonisin. Bt maize is comparatively less susceptible to insect damage than that of non-GM maize and thus it has a lower level of fumonisin.