Question

An insecticide parathion (which blocks acetylcholinesterase function) if ingested would lead to

• A. A decrease in post-synaptic signals
• B. A halt to all synaptic nervous transmission
• C. An increase in acetylcholine concentration in synapse
• D. A decrease in acetylcholine concentration in synapse
• E. Levels of acetylcholine to remain the same

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

An increase in acetylcholine concentration in synapse

• Organophosphate insecticides are highly toxic to insects but less so to humans and domestic animals.
• Organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase. They include chlorpyrifos (Dursban), diazinon, malathion, ethyl and methyl parathion, and trichlorfon. Hence, An insecticide parathion (which blocks acetylcholinesterase function) if ingested would lead to An increase in acetylcholine concentration in the synapse.

So, the correct answer is 'An increase in acetylcholine concentration in synapse'.