An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of cholesterol molecules (causing oxygen consumption in the breakdown process). Because cholesterol molecules are essential for creation and maintenance of cell membranes and some hormones, an excess of cholesterol oxidase can be harmful. When the gene (that codes) for cholesterol oxidase is inserted into the genome of the com (maize) plant, it may enable that plant to resist many of the worm pests (e.g., com ear-worm, European com borer, com root-worm, black cutworm, army-worm, etc.) that attack com (maize) in the field. When the gene (that codes) for cholesterol oxidase is inserted into the cotton plant, it may enable that plant to resist weevils that attack cotton in the field.