Chemical Pesticides: Mode of Action and Toxicology

Description

Environmental-friendliness, issues of public health, and the pros and cons of genetically-modified crops all receive regular coverage in the world's media. This, in turn, has led to increased questioning and investigation of chemical pesticides.Stenersen's concise introduction to chemical pesticides describes these compounds according to their biochemical mode of action, such as whether they are enzyme inhibitors, receptor ligands, or free radical generators. Chemical Pesticides provides answers to why pesticides are toxic to the target organism, how resistance develops, why pesticides are toxic to some organisms and not others. The book also discusses legal matters and concerns as well as potential environmental problems. Front Cover......Page 1 About the Author......Page 8 Contents......Page 12 1. Introduction......Page 20 2. Why is a toxicant poisonous?......Page 34 3. Pesticides interfering with processes important to all organisms......Page 54 4. Bacillus thuringiensis and its toxins......Page 86 5. Specific enzyme inhibitors......Page 92 6. Interference with signal transduction in the nerves......Page 134 7. Pesticides that act as signal molecules......Page 158 8. Translocation and degradation of pesticides......Page 180 9. Resistance to pesticides......Page 212 10. Pesticides as environmental hazards......Page 232 Literature......Page 268 Index......Page 284