Which pesticide family includes substances that mimic the action of nicotine?

The correct response is that the pesticide family known as neonicotinoids includes substances that mimic the action of nicotine. Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides modeled after nicotine, the well-known alkaloid found in tobacco. By targeting specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous systems of insects, these chemicals disrupt normal neurotransmission, leading to paralysis and ultimately death of the insect.

This makes neonicotinoids particularly effective against a wide range of pests, while minimizing toxicity to non-target species such as mammals and birds, which is a significant characteristic of their use in agriculture.

In contrast, carbamates and organophosphates do not mimic nicotine; instead, they inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the nervous system, which also affects insects but in a different manner. Phenoxy herbicides, on the other hand, are primarily used to control broadleaf weeds and act by mimicking natural plant hormones, thus leading to uncontrolled growth in treated plants rather than mimicking nicotine’s action.