Question:

Which of the following agent(s) is/are insecticide in nature ?
A. Malathion
B. DDT
C. Deltamethrin
D. Paraquat
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Associate chemical suffixes to identify classes: "-thrin" endings (like Deltamethrin, Permethrin) designate pyrethroid insecticides, and "-thion" endings (like Malathion) designate organophosphate insecticides. Paraquat is a well-known, highly toxic herbicide.
  • A, B and D only
  • C and D only
  • D only
  • A, B and C only
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Pesticides are chemical substances used to control, repel, or destroy pests.
They are classified based on their target organisms into insecticides (targeting insects), herbicides (targeting weeds), fungicides (targeting fungi), and rodenticides (targeting rodents).
In veterinary medicine and toxicology, distinguishing between these chemical classes is essential for diagnosing accidental poisonings in livestock and companion animals.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate each of the listed chemical agents:
1. Malathion (A):
This is an organophosphate compound that acts as a potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor.
By inhibiting AChE, it causes toxic accumulation of acetylcholine at synaptic junctions, leading to neuromuscular paralysis and death in target insects.
Therefore, it is an insecticide.
2. DDT (B):
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a classic organochlorine compound.
It acts by opening sodium channels in the nerve cells of insects, leading to continuous firing, spasms, and death.
Therefore, it is an insecticide.
3. Deltamethrin (C):
This is a synthetic Type II pyrethroid compound.
It works by prolonging the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels in insect nerves, leading to rapid paralysis ("knockdown effect").
Therefore, it is an insecticide.
4. Paraquat (D):
Paraquat is a quaternary nitrogen herbicide used for broadleaf weed control.
It works by producing superoxide free radicals that damage plant cell membranes during photosynthesis.
It is highly toxic to mammals, causing progressive pulmonary fibrosis, but it has no insecticidal properties.
Therefore, it is a herbicide, not an insecticide.
Thus, the insecticides in this list are A, B, and C.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Malathion, DDT, and Deltamethrin are insecticides, while Paraquat is a herbicide.
Therefore, the correct option is (D).
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