Before You Begin
Question #45865
The Question
A biotechnologist utilizes the principle of transformation to introduce a recombinant plasmid containing a modified cry gene into a surrogate bacterial host. The modification accidentally removes the inhibitory domain, causing the gene to express a mature, active Bt toxin directly in the host's cytoplasm, bypassing the normal alkaline pH activation trigger. Based on the principles of transgene stability and protoxin activation, which of the following is the most likely outcome?
Options
- A.
The surrogate host will undergo metabolic collapse and lysis due to ectopic pore-forming activity against its own membranes.
- B.
The surrogate host will remain unharmed because the active toxin strictly requires insect-specific midgut receptors to induce any membrane damage.
- C.
The surrogate host will secrete the active toxin into the medium, creating an alkaline microenvironment that inhibits non-transformed cells.
- D.
The transformation will trigger a reverse-pathogenic conversion, rendering the surrogate host incapable of horizontal gene transfer.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Griffith’s Transforming Principle|Bt Toxin Activation Trigger|Cry Gene Specificity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' is distinguishing between the primary reason the host bacterium survives (inactive protoxin state) and the mechanism of target specificity (insect gut receptors).
Students often over-rely on the 'insect-specific receptor' fact (Option B) and fail to realize that bypassing the protoxin stage intracellularly leads to autotoxicity and metabolic collapse of the surrogate host.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Molecular Basis of Inheritance - Class 12 |
| Concept | Griffith’s Transforming Principle |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |