Bt Toxin

Biopesticides, which are derived from natural substances, including plants, animals, bacteria, and minerals are related to GMOs, as these natural substances can be genetically engineered to express certain genes that act as pesticides. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt crops, are a specific type of plant-incorporated pesticide (PIP), which means the pesticides in these plants are produced by the plant, after genetic material has been added to the plant (Hsaio, 2017). Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium that lives in soil and naturally makes proteins that are toxic to certain insects, when ingested, but are not toxic to humans or other mammals (National Pesticide Information Center, 2015). Crops, such as corn, cotton, and soybeans have been genetically modified, in order to express the Bt genes. 

For example, by genetically modifying corn to express the Bt gene, Bt corn is able to control corn pests, such as the corn ear-worm and the southwestern corn borer. Bt cotton, is able to fight off cotton pests, such as the cotton bollworm and the tobacco budworm.

Advantages

A subgroup of Bt toxins called cry toxins is known to be safe for human consumption and the environment. Bt toxins are in question of their safety because cry toxins are often sprayed on crops while the chemical is activated, while Bt toxins are sprayed in the inactivated form. This means that the cry toxins are released as a mist and the Bt toxins are crystallized. The changes in the structure of the protein of the chemical can have a big impact on the toxicity of the Bt proteins (Entomological Society of America, 2018).

Genetically modified organisms, which have had their DNA changed, have actually created a reduction in synthetic insecticide use, which in turn has decreased the amount of adverse health complications associated with pesticide poisoning from synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, the EPA has studied Bt crops and discovered that they do not raise any large risks to human’s health, as synthetic pesticides do (Haiso, 2015). 

Disadvantages

There is a risk factor to Bt toxins as well. It will work if the insect has the right receptors in their gut. If they have the right receptors than the toxin will kill them, but if they do not, they can live and feed off the crop. Bt toxins are known for having immunogenic properties, but there have been no sufficient studies to say if they are safe or not regarding health effects. (Then, C., & Bauer-Panskus, A).