Do pesticides include organophosphates and carbamates as cholinesterase inhibitors?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only organophosphates
• D. Only carbamates

Answer: (A)

Cholinesterase inhibition is a common way pesticides work. Organophosphates and carbamates are two major pesticide classes that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine in nerve synapses. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine builds up, causing excessive stimulation of nerves and muscles in pests (and potentially in humans with exposure). Organophosphates tend to form a lasting, often irreversible bond with the enzyme, while carbamates bind reversibly for a shorter duration. Because both are used as pesticides and both inhibit cholinesterase, it is correct to say that pesticides include these substances as cholinesterase inhibitors.