Encoding insecticidal proteins

The internationally harmonized approach is based on the principle of comparative safety assessment, also known as substantial equivalence [4], This entails the comparison of the genetically modified organism (GMO) with a conventional counterpart that has a history of safe use. Eor example, a GM maize crop that has been genetically modified with a gene encoding an insecticidal protein from... 

Binding of activated toxins to a specific binding site(s) in the brush border membrane of midgut epithelial cells is thought to be a major determinant of the specificity of Cry insecticidal proteins 9-11). In the last few years, several toxin-binding proteins have been purified, and genes encoding them have been cloned. However, in the case of dipteran-specific 8-endotoxins, no receptor protein has been found so far 12, 13). 

In order to increase the speed of kill, it has been suggested that NPVs could be engineered to express genes encoding proteins such as toxins, hormones, or enzymes to enhance the insecticidal properties of the NPV (8,11,21-25), NPVs possess... 

Bacillus thurigiensisx Naturally occurring bacterium present in soil, which produces a protein or toxin that interferes with the insect s digestion and acts as an insecticide. The genes that encode for this protein (cry) were introduced into maize to produce Bt maize. 

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