What is a potential consequence of cholinesterase inhibition?

What is a potential consequence of cholinesterase inhibition?

• A. Death due to disruption of nerve impulses
• B. Enhanced growth
• C. Immunity to pests
• D. Improved water uptake

Answer: (A)

Cholinesterase inhibition causes accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses and neuromuscular junctions, leading to continuous stimulation of nerves and muscles. When acetylcholine isn’t broken down, nerve impulses keep firing, which can overwhelm the nervous system and respiratory muscles, potentially resulting in respiratory failure and death. This is a real hazard with certain pesticides, like organophosphates and carbamates, that inhibit cholinesterase. Other choices—growth, immunity to pests, or improved water uptake—don’t arise from this nervous-system effect and aren’t related to what happens when cholinesterase is inhibited.

Cholinesterase inhibition causes accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses and neuromuscular junctions, leading to continuous stimulation of nerves and muscles. When acetylcholine isn’t broken down, nerve impulses keep firing, which can overwhelm the nervous system and respiratory muscles, potentially resulting in respiratory failure and death. This is a real hazard with certain pesticides, like organophosphates and carbamates, that inhibit cholinesterase. Other choices—growth, immunity to pests, or improved water uptake—don’t arise from this nervous-system effect and aren’t related to what happens when cholinesterase is inhibited.