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🔬 Biology  ·  Microbes in Human Welfare  ·  NEET

Which bacterium is used as a biocontrol agent against caterpillars and other insect pests?

Answer: Bacillus thuringiensis.

  • A Rhizobium, a nitrogen-fixing root bacterium
  • B Bacillus thuringiensis
  • C Azotobacter, a free-living nitrogen fixer
  • D Pseudomonas, a common soil bacterium

Correct answer: B. Bacillus thuringiensis

Explanation: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces cry proteins (delta endotoxins) that are toxic to caterpillars and other insect pests.

Sewage Treatment FlowPrimaryphysical filtering+ sedimentationSecondary (aerobic)aeration tank, flocsconsume organic matterActivated sludgesettles out;part reused as inoculumSludge digesterANAEROBIC →biogas (CH₄)Note the switch: aerobic microbes in the tank, anaerobic microbes in the digester

Sewage passes through physical removal (primary), then aerobic biological treatment where microbes form flocs that consume organic matter (secondary); the settled activated sludge is then digested anaerobically to produce biogas - a deliberate switch from aerobic to anaerobic conditions between stages.

Concept context

Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers

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