Glyphosate

Simon Cotton discusses glyphosate

What is that?

Glyphosate (1) is a non-selective, systematic herbicide. This organophosphate compound is the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup.

What's so special about this herbicide?

Organophosphate compounds (eg sarin) were first developed during World War II as chemical warfare agents, but later low concentrations of these compounds found applications as pesticides. A lot of organophosphates affect the human nervous system, which is why there has been concern about people working with organophosphate compounds used in sheep dips for example. In particular, they affect the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter molecule acetylcholine. Inhibition of this enzyme leads to a build up in the levels of acetylcholine in the nervous system, which can disrupt nerve signals to muscles. Apart from being very effective against plants, glyphosate is safer than ordinary organophosphates because it has very low toxicity in mammals, birds and fish.