The term “pesticide” refers to any product that attracts, repels or kills any type of pest, although it is more commonly associated with plant protection products. It is a chemical agent that harms, kills, repels, or otherwise deters pests (such as insects, weeds, birds, mammals, and fish) that destroy property or crops or spread disease. There are many different types of pesticides, including insecticides (which kill insects), herbicides (which kill plants), and fungicides (which kill fungi). Many pesticides can be grouped into chemical families. Some families of insecticides include organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates. Organochlorinated hydrocarbons could be separated into dichlorodiphenylethanes (DDTs), cyclodiene compounds, and other related compounds. They work by disrupting the sodium/potassium balance of the nerve fiber, resulting in continuous nerve transmission. Organophosphates and carbamates work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, allowing acetylcholine to transfer nerve impulses indefinitely and causing a variety of symptoms such as weakness or paralysis. Some families Herbicides include phenoxy- and benzoic acid-based herbicides and triazines. Phenoxy compounds tend to selectively kill broadleaf weeds rather than grasses, and triazines interfere with photosynthesis. In 2009, there was the development of a new family of fungicides called paldoxins. These work by taking advantage of natural defense chemicals released by plants called phytoalexins, which the fungi then detoxify using enzymes. Paldoxins inhibit the detoxifying enzymes of fungi. They are believed to be safer and more environmentally friendly. The use of pesticides connects to the unit of chemistry because pesticides are chemically produced in the paper medium to reverse the effects of these pesticides, but there are ways to help! Instead of using harmful chemicals, there are many alternative pest control methods that are very effective and even cheaper than most store-bought pesticides. It is very important to be aware of where your produce comes from and opt for naturally grown organic fruit and vegetables rather than cheaper processed produce. Works Cited http://agrochemicals.iupac.org/index.php?option= com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=3&sobi2Id=31 http://npic.orst.edu/envir/air.html http://longbeach.wsu.edu/ cranberries/documents/howlongdoinsecticideresiduespersist.pdf http://www.epa.gov/climatechange /ghgemissions/gases/n2o.html http://www.footprint.wwf.org.uk/topics/show/243 http://ourfutureplanet .org/component/youtopia/Max123/issues/36 http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide