Rotenone is a classic botanical pesticide. Remember its biochemical mechanism: it specifically blocks Electron Transport Chain Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), preventing cellular respiration.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rotenone is a naturally occurring organic chemical compound. It is extracted from the roots and stems of various subtropical and tropical plant species, primarily those belonging to the Fabaceae family (such as Derris and Lonchocarpus). Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the chemical properties and applications of rotenone:
Rotenone acts as a cellular toxin. It is a powerful, specific inhibitor of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
By blocking the transfer of electrons from iron-sulfur centers to ubiquinone, it shuts down cellular respiration and ATP production.
Because of its high toxicity to insects and fish, it has been used historically as a natural, broad-spectrum insecticide and piscicide (fish poison).
It is considered anatural insecticide (or botanical pesticide) because it is extracted directly from plants, unlike synthetic chemical pesticides.
It is not a hormone, nor is it used to control weeds (meaning it is not a herbicide or bioherbicide).
Thus, rotenone is classified as a natural insecticide. Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct option is (B).
