Concept:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium widely used in biotechnology for pest control due to its ability to produce toxic proteins.
• The cry gene encodes crystalline (Cry) proteins.
• These proteins accumulate as crystal inclusions in bacterial spores.
• When ingested by insects, Cry proteins become toxic and kill the insect.
Step 1: Understand the function of Bt genes.
Bt bacteria produce insecticidal proteins that are encoded by specific genes.
Step 2: Identify the correct gene.
The cry gene produces crystal proteins (Cry toxins).
Step 3: Analyze options.
• (A) cry: Correct
• (B) myc: Related to oncogenes
• (C) ras: Cancer-related gene
• (D) nif: Nitrogen fixation gene
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the gene responsible is the cry gene.
Final Answer: Option (A)