Paul Muller of Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland discovered the effectiveness of DDT as:a)Insecticidesb)Fertilizersc)Anaestheticsd)AntisepticsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The correct answer is Option A.
Paul Hermann Muller, Swiss chemist who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for discovering the potent toxic effects on insects of DDT. With its chemical derivatives, DDT became the most widely used insecticide for more than 20 years and was a major factor in increased world food production and the suppression of insect-borne diseases.

Answer

The correct answer is Option A.
Paul Hermann Muller, Swiss chemist who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for discovering the potent toxic effects on insects of DDT. With its chemical derivatives, DDT became the most widely used insecticide for more than 20 years and was a major factor in increased world food production and the suppression of insect-borne diseases.

Answer

A.......
Carrying out various research by Paul Muller he concluded that Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane has a potent action to show insecticidal property...

Thus it is widely used as insecticide agent

Answer

Paul miller got Nobel prize  for discovery of effectiveness of DDT as insecticide .during world war 2 DDT is used  to control many arthropods. due to branching of chlorine ,DDT is non biodegradable .in droshophelia genome, DDT show polygenic inheritance.

Answer

DDT, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, is an insecticide that was discovered to be highly effective by Paul Muller of Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland. DDT has played a significant role in the control of insect-borne diseases and agricultural pests. Let's delve into the details of how DDT was discovered and its effectiveness as an insecticide.

Discovery of DDT:
Paul Muller, a Swiss chemist, discovered the insecticidal properties of DDT while working for Geigy Pharmaceuticals in the 1930s. He was specifically searching for a chemical that would combat the destructive Colorado potato beetle, which was causing significant damage to potato crops at the time. After synthesizing and testing various compounds, Muller discovered that DDT was highly effective in killing insects and had long-lasting residual properties.

Effectiveness as an Insecticide:
DDT revolutionized pest control due to its broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of insects. It is highly effective against mosquitoes, flies, ants, cockroaches, and agricultural pests. DDT acts by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and eventual death. Its persistence in the environment allows for residual effects, meaning that treated areas remain insect-free for extended periods.

Benefits of DDT:
1. Malaria Control: DDT played a crucial role in the global campaign against malaria. By targeting the mosquitoes that transmit the disease, DDT significantly reduced malaria cases in many parts of the world. It was particularly effective in reducing malaria in countries like India and Sri Lanka.

2. Agricultural Pest Control: DDT proved to be a powerful tool in controlling agricultural pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle and cotton bollworm. It helped increase crop yields by protecting plants from insect damage.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: DDT was relatively inexpensive to produce and had long-lasting effects, making it an affordable and efficient insecticide for large-scale use.

Controversies and Environmental Impact:
While DDT was highly effective as an insecticide, its long-term environmental impact raised concerns. DDT is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains. This raised concerns about potential harm to wildlife and human health.

Additionally, DDT was found to have negative effects on bird populations, particularly birds of prey like eagles and falcons. It caused thinning of their eggshells, leading to reproductive failures and population declines.

Due to these concerns, DDT was banned or heavily restricted in many countries starting in the 1970s. However, its use for disease vector control, particularly in malaria-endemic regions, is still considered important and is allowed under specific regulations.

In conclusion, Paul Muller's discovery of the effectiveness of DDT as an insecticide revolutionized pest control and had significant impacts on public health and agriculture. While its environmental impact led to restrictions on its use, DDT remains an important tool in the fight against malaria and other insect-borne diseases.

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