What is the primary mechanism of action of organophosphate insecticides like Malathion and Parathion?
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Correct answer: Irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
Organophosphates are irreversible indirect-acting agonists. They phosphorylate the active site of acetylcholinesterase; if 'aging' occurs, the enzyme is permanently inactivated until new enzyme molecules are synthesized.
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