Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

7. Energy and Metabolism

Enzyme Inhibition

General Biology

7. Energy and Metabolism

Enzyme Inhibition

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1:52 minutes

Problem 16

Textbook Question

Organophosphates (organic compounds containing phosphate groups) are commonly used as insecticides to improve crop yield. Organophosphates typically interfere with nerve signal transmission by inhibiting the enzymes that degrade transmitter molecules. They affect humans and other vertebrates as well as insects. Thus, the use of organophosphate pesticides poses some health risks. On the other hand, these molecules break down rapidly upon exposure to air and sunlight. As a consumer, what level of risk are you willing to accept in exchange for an abundant and affordable food supply?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of organophosphates: Recognize that organophosphates are used as insecticides and work by inhibiting enzymes necessary for nerve signal transmission, which affects both insects and vertebrates.

Consider the health risks: Acknowledge that exposure to organophosphates can pose health risks to humans and other vertebrates due to their mechanism of action on nerve signal transmission.

Evaluate the benefits: Reflect on the benefits provided by organophosphates, such as improved crop yields, which can lead to more abundant and affordable food supplies.

Assess the environmental impact: Consider that organophosphates break down rapidly in the environment when exposed to air and sunlight, which can mitigate long-term environmental impact.

Balance risks and benefits: Decide what level of risk you are personally willing to accept in exchange for the benefits of having an abundant and affordable food supply, taking into account your values, health concerns, and the available alternatives to organophosphates.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Organophosphates

Organophosphates are a class of organic compounds that contain phosphate groups and are widely used as insecticides in agriculture. They function by disrupting the normal transmission of nerve signals in pests, leading to paralysis and death. While effective in increasing crop yields, their use raises concerns about potential health risks to humans and other non-target organisms due to their toxicity.

Nerve Signal Transmission

Nerve signal transmission is the process by which neurons communicate with each other and with other cells. This involves the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses. Organophosphates inhibit the enzymes responsible for breaking down these neurotransmitters, leading to prolonged and uncontrolled nerve signaling, which can be harmful to both insects and vertebrates.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the potential health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances, such as organophosphate pesticides. It involves analyzing the likelihood of adverse effects occurring and weighing these risks against the benefits, such as increased food production. Consumers must consider their personal tolerance for risk in relation to the safety and availability of food products.