Which insecticide is known for inhibiting cholinesterase?

Which insecticide is known for inhibiting cholinesterase?

• A. Imidacloprid
• B. Lindane
• C. Chlorpyrifos
• D. Rhodamine B

Answer: (C)

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that functions as an organophosphate, which is specifically known for inhibiting cholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, as it breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. When cholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates at nerve synapses, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system. This mechanism underlines the potency of chlorpyrifos in controlling pest populations, particularly for agricultural applications. In contrast, other options do not primarily act through cholinesterase inhibition. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, while lindane is an organochlorine insecticide that disrupts the function of the insect's nervous system by different means. Rhodamine B, on the other hand, is a dye commonly used for various purposes, including as a tracer in biological studies, but it is not an insecticide and does not affect cholinesterase. This further solidifies chlorpyrifos as the appropriate answer for this question regarding cholinesterase inhibition.

Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that functions as an organophosphate, which is specifically known for inhibiting cholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, as it breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. When cholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates at nerve synapses, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system. This mechanism underlines the potency of chlorpyrifos in controlling pest populations, particularly for agricultural applications.

In contrast, other options do not primarily act through cholinesterase inhibition. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid that targets nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, while lindane is an organochlorine insecticide that disrupts the function of the insect's nervous system by different means. Rhodamine B, on the other hand, is a dye commonly used for various purposes, including as a tracer in biological studies, but it is not an insecticide and does not affect cholinesterase. This further solidifies chlorpyrifos as the appropriate answer for this question regarding cholinesterase inhibition.