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Ch. 5 The Working Cell
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTaylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 5 The Working CellProblem 16
Chapter 5, Problem 16

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
1
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.
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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.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mercury is known to inhibit the permeability of water channels. To help establish that the protein isolated by Agre's group was a water channel, the researchers incubated groups of RNA-injected oocytes (which thus made aquaporin proteins) in four different solutions: plain buffer, low concentration and high concentration of a mercury chloride (HgCl₂) solution, and low concentration of a mercury solution followed by an agent (ME) known to reverse the effects of mercury. The water permeability of the cells was determined by the rate of their osmotic swelling. Interpret the results of this experiment, which are presented in the graph below. Control oocytes not injected with aquaporin RNA were also incubated with buffer and the two concentrations of mercury. Predict what the results of these treatments would be.

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Textbook Question

A biologist performed two series of experiments on lactase, the enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose to glucose and galactose. First, she made up 10% lactose solutions containing different concentrations of enzyme and measured the rate at which galactose was produced (grams of galactose per minute). Results of these experiments are shown in Table A below. In the second series of experiments (Table B), she prepared 2% enzyme solutions containing different concentrations of lactose and again measured the rate of galactose production.

Graph and explain the relationship between the reaction rate and the enzyme concentration.

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Textbook Question

A biologist performed two series of experiments on lactase, the enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose to glucose and galactose. First, she made up 10% lactose solutions containing different concentrations of enzyme and measured the rate at which galactose was produced (grams of galactose per minute). Results of these experiments are shown in Table A below. In the second series of experiments (Table B), she prepared 2% enzyme solutions containing different concentrations of lactose and again measured the rate of galactose production.

Graph and explain the relationship between the reaction rate and the substrate concentration. How and why did the results of the two experiments differ?.

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