Question

What is meant by the term biopesticide? Name and explain the mode of action of popular biopesticide.

Answer 1

Biopesticide is a living organism, its product or gene that is able to kill or repel the pest. It does not harm the environment. It does not enter the food chains. Biopesticide is highly specific.


The toxin produced by Bacillus turengiensis is an endotoxin called Cry protein. It is crystalline and non toxic when formed being on protoxin stage. As it reaches the gut of the insect, the Cry protein is converted into toxin soluble state. It attaches to the receptors present on the epithelial cells of the gut, produces pores and kills the cells resulting in death of the insect.

Answer 2

Biopesticide is a living organism, its product or gene that is able to kill or repel the pest. It does not harm the environment. It does not enter the food chains. Biopesticide is highly specific.


The toxin produced by Bacillus turengiensis is an endotoxin called Cry protein. It is crystalline and non toxic when formed being on protoxin stage. As it reaches the gut of the insect, the Cry protein is converted into toxin soluble state. It attaches to the receptors present on the epithelial cells of the gut, produces pores and kills the cells resulting in death of the insect.