The Biology of DDT

The Biology of DDT

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an insecticide that is a white, crystalline solid, tasteless and almost odorless chemical compound. In the past few decades, DDT has been found to be extremely harmful to humans and other organisms in ecosystems.

DDT first enters an environment when humans use it to prevent pests. Once in the environment, it passes through the food chain, where it becomes gradually more concentrated. This is the concept of bio-magnification; this means that DDT will affect all organisms in the food chain, regardless of their level.

DDT is an extremely persistent chemical that can cause organisms to die by either convulsions, which are random, uncontrollable contractions of the muscles, or paralysis, which is complete loss of muscle control. Along with muscle problems, DDT can also cause endocrine system disruptions that can lead to birth defects, behavioral changes, cancerous tumors and developmental disorders (PMEP Home, 2013).

DDT harms organisms by entering their fat cells and staying there. All cells have a plasma membrane, which is a cell’s outer boundary. The plasma membrane separates the inside of the cell from the outside and also allows certain substances to enter and exit the cell. The plasma membrane is mostly made up of lipids, which are fat cells. DDT is fat soluble, so it can easily dissolve in the cell through the plasma membrane. When DDT enters the cell, the DDT opens up the plasma membrane to make room for itself. This opening causes the cell to leak. Sodium ions and potassium ions can then enter the cell through these leaks. In nerve cells, the concentration of these ions is important because they determine when nerve cells will send signals to the organisms. When DDT gets in the plasma membrane, these nerve impulses are not able to function normally, which leads to convulsions or paralysis (Pesticide Action Network, 2013).

Microorganisms do not usually die from DDT, but the presence of this chemical could slow down a microorganism’s growth and photosynthesis. DDT also remains in the microorganisms; since microorganisms make up the basis of the food chain, like producers, the various level of consumers are sure to be influenced by DDT as well.

Terrestrial invertebrates can tolerate large amounts of DDT for long periods of time, but they will inevitably retain large amounts off DDT in their bodies. On the other hand, aquatic invertebrates are very sensitive to DDT. In aquatic invertebrates, DDT is associated with problems in aquatic invertebrates like reproductive/ development impediment and nervous system disorders

In the early 1950’s, DDT became one of the most widely used pesticides because people believed that it was completely harmless to human beings. When DDT gets into our bodies, it is stored primarily in such fatty organisms as the adrenals, testes and thyroid. It is also stored in smaller concentrations in the liver and kidneys. When DDT enters the body, humans can experience headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and tremors. (Chemistry at Duke, 2013).

Work Cited

Biology of DDT:

• "DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)." PMEP Home. http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/carbaryl-dicrotophos/ddt-ext.html (accessed February 6, 2013).
• "DDT - A Brief History and Status | Pesticides | US EPA." US Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/ddt-brief-history-status.htm (accessed February 6, 2013).
•  "DDT." Pesticide Action Network UK. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/ddt.htm>.
• "Effects of DDT." Chemistry at Duke. http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/pest/effects.html (accessed February 5, 2013).