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4. Pesticide metabolites enter the
bloodstream after leaving the liver and are then transported to the
rest of the body.
The effect of these metabolites varies with the type of pesticide. Some pesticides produce their toxic effects by interrupting the normal function of acetylcholinesterase in the nervous system. Let's look at how the nervous system is affected. |
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Acetylcholine |
Acetylcholinesterase |
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| Acetylcholine is a special chemical manufactured by
the body called a neurotransmitter. It transmits nerve impulses
from one nerve to the next. It acts much like a green light
telling certain functions of the body to begin.
Acetylcholinesterase is another type of chemical produced by the body. It tells the nervous system to stop the functions started by acetylcholine. The body functions started by acetylcholine do not stop until they are stopped by acetylcholinesterase. |
Introduction
| Lesson
| Activity
PEER Curriculum | Properties
of Hazards Modules |
Teacher's
Page | Standards