Abstract
The current strategy of using transgenic crops expressing insecticidal protein toxins is placing increasing emphasis on the discovery of novel toxins, beyond those already derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Here we review the cloning of four insecticidal toxin complex (tc) encoding genes from a different bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens and of similar gene sequences from Xenorhabdus nematophilus. Both these bacteria occupy the gut of entomopathogenic nematodes and are released into the insect upon invasion by the nematode. In the insect the bacteria presumably secrete these insecticidal toxins, as well as a range of other antimicrobials, to establish the insect cadaver as a monocultural breeding ground for both bacteria and nematodes. In this review, the protein biochemistry and structure of the tc encoding loci are discussed in relation to their observed toxicity and histopathology. These toxins may prove useful as alternatives to those derived from B. thuringiensis for deployment in insect-resistant transgenic plants.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.