DDT is an example of which type of pesticide?

DDT is an example of which type of pesticide?

• A. Organophosphate
• B. Carbamate
• C. Pyrethroid
• D. Organochlorine

Answer: (D)

Pesticides are grouped by chemical structure and how they affect pests. DDT is a chlorinated hydrocarbon, so it belongs to the organochlorine class. These compounds are known for environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues. In insects, DDT disrupts voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, causing prolonged nerve firing and paralysis. The other classes work by different mechanisms: organophosphates and carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to acetylcholine buildup, and pyrethroids are synthetic analogs of pyrethrins that also affect sodium channels but are not chlorinated hydrocarbons. Thus, DDT is an organochlorine.

Pesticides are grouped by chemical structure and how they affect pests. DDT is a chlorinated hydrocarbon, so it belongs to the organochlorine class. These compounds are known for environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues. In insects, DDT disrupts voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, causing prolonged nerve firing and paralysis. The other classes work by different mechanisms: organophosphates and carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to acetylcholine buildup, and pyrethroids are synthetic analogs of pyrethrins that also affect sodium channels but are not chlorinated hydrocarbons. Thus, DDT is an organochlorine.