Search

The application of Bacillus thuringiensis is revised, with description of its biology, ecology and potentials for insects management. Co-evolution of the crystal proteins structure with insect hosts is reviewed, with data on the classification and nomenclature. The function of various Cry proteins and their role in insect parasitism are described together with the mechanism of action of the toxins. Applications for control of mosquitoes and blackflies and formulations are reviewed. Factors related to the development of resistance and potentials in the integrated pest management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on Φ29-like viruses which belong to the Podoviridae family. An overview of their replication strategy and history is presented. Their genus members include the Bacillus phage Φ29 virus. Charts are presented that list their nucleotide sequences, proteins and vector constructs.

Chapter VI of Book II: "The Birth of the Butterfly," by Harriet Stark is presented. It narrates how the bacillus of beauty discovered by professor Carl Darmstetter had made a great transformation on Helen Eliza Winship's looks. It cites that Helen was hesitant at first, however, chose to believe what her biology professor was telling. Moreover, Helen was eager enough to get the beauty she has dreamed of since she was a child.

An encyclopedia entry for "endospore" is presented. It refers to a heat resisting structure formed by some bacteria inside the growing or multiplying cell formed in inadequate environmental conditions. The Clostridium group and the Bacillus group are the two groups of bacteria involved in endospores, both of which are significant as potential food poisoning agents. It is stated that endospores are able to withstand the majority of food cooking and preparation processes, and are resistant to boiling water for up to 5 hours.

A definition of the term "attenuated bacilli" is presented. It refers to a bacterial that have been killed or altered so as to no longer be infectious.

The article reports that Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil-living organism that may be used conventionally to control a range of insect pests. Bt needs to be ingested by the target insect; it contains a crystalline toxin (encoded by Cry genes) that paralyses the insect's digestive tract, causing death. Crops have been genetically engineered to contain the toxic component of Bt. Because the genetic code of plants and bacteria are dissimilar, genes are synthesized that make the bacterial amino acid sequence and the target plant DNA compatible.