Question

The herbicide glyphosate kills plants by inhibiting an enzyme needed for synthesis of phenylalanine. Deprived of phenylalanine, the plant cannot make the proteins it needs, and it gradually weakens and dies. Although a small amount of glyphosate is deadly to a plant, its human toxicity is quite low.

(a) Suggest why this powerful herbicide has little effect on humans.

(b) Discuss the chemical properties of Glyphosate as an herbicide.

Answer 1

• Herbicides can cause deleterious effects on organisms and human health,both by their directive or in direct.it can be cited genetic damages, diverse physiological alterations and even death. Essentially , foods that are consumed raw like fruits and vegetables may contain herbicide residues. • these pose health risk in the body system when they are consumed as food. Disease associated with herbicides poisoning can be acute or chronic. Acute effects: abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as skin and eye problems. Long term effects. Cancer, neurological problems, dementia, reproductive problems. B) Chemical Properties -  

The active ingredient, glyphosate, is the compound that actually kills weeds. The Roundup Ultra label states that the active ingredient is “Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, in the form of its isopropylamine salt”. The term ‘glyphosate’ is the common name of the chemical, whereas ‘N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine’ is the chemical name that provides information about the actual chemical structure of the herbicide. Regardless of the brand you purchase, the active ingredient for all glyphosate products is exactly the same.