Let's understand how Bt Cotton works to protect itself from pests like the Bollworm.

1. A specific gene is identified from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This gene produces a protein that is toxic to certain insect pests, like the Bollworm, but harmless to humans and other animals.
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2. Using biotechnology techniques, this Bt gene is carefully inserted into the DNA of a regular cotton plant. This process is like adding a new instruction manual page to the plant's existing manual.
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3. Once the Bt gene is successfully integrated, the cotton plant starts producing the Bt protein in its cells. This means every part of the plant, including its leaves and cotton bolls, now contains this natural insecticide.
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4. When a Bollworm larva (a small worm that eats cotton) feeds on a Bt Cotton plant, it ingests the Bt protein. This protein gets activated in the worm's gut.
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5. The activated Bt protein damages the gut of the Bollworm, causing it to stop eating and eventually die. This prevents the pest from destroying the cotton crop.
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6. The result is a cotton crop that is naturally resistant to Bollworm attacks, reducing the need for farmers to spray chemical pesticides.