Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a carbamate?

1. Diazinon

2. Malathion

3. Carbaryl

4. Naled

The correct answer is: Carbaryl

Carbaryl is recognized as a carbamate because it belongs to a class of pesticides known for their mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synapses of nerve cells. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system in insects, ultimately causing paralysis and death. Carbamates are characterized by their specific chemical structure, which includes a carbamate functional group. Carbaryl's composition fits this criterion, distinguishing it from other pest control substances. This class of pesticides is often used for agricultural purposes and in residential settings because of its effectiveness against a range of pests. Other compounds mentioned, such as diazinon, malathion, and naled, belong to different classes of insecticides, specifically organophosphates and organophosphates that operate through varying mechanisms on different biochemical pathways. This variance in chemical structure and mode of action confirms why carbaryl is the appropriate example of a carbamate in this context.