A UV tolerant mutant of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki producing melanin

Curr Microbiol. 2002 Jan;44(1):25-30. doi: 10.1007/s00284-001-0069-6.

Abstract

A UV-resistant mutant (Bt-m) of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, producing a dark brown pigment, identified as melanin, was studied. Bt-m had higher larvicidity against Heliothis armigera than its parent. Survival of Bt-m spores and their insecticidal activity to irradiation at 254 nm and 366 nm were higher than those of the parent. The only toxic polypeptide produced by Bt-m was Cry1Ac (130 kDa); it lost cry1Aa, cry2Aa, and cry2Ab.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / genetics
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / metabolism*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / radiation effects*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Toxins*
  • Endotoxins / metabolism
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Mutation
  • Radiation Tolerance
  • Spodoptera / growth & development*
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Melanins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis