How does Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) production in bioengineered corn help to prevent damage from the European Corn Borer?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces proteins toxic to certain pests, including the European Corn Borer. When corn is bioengineered to express Bt proteins, the plant produces these proteins within its tissues. When the European Corn Borer feeds on the corn while ingesting these proteins, the toxins disrupt the pest's digestive system, leading to its death.

This mechanism specifically targets the larvae of the European Corn Borer, reducing the population and, consequently, the damage caused by this pest. By incorporating Bt genes into the corn plant, farmers gain a form of pest resistance without the need for chemical pesticides, helping to protect the corn from significant yield losses caused by these insects.

In contrast to the other options, which relate to attributes not associated with the primary function of Bt in corn, the correct answer highlights the direct relationship between the presence of Bt proteins and the protection of corn from pest damage.