Effect of Age and Sex on Enzyme Activity

It is not easy to predict the role of age or sex in the activity of detoxification enzymes. In some species, these enzymes are almost as active at birth as in mature animals, whereas in others there is a large difference. Likewise, males are sometimes more active in detoxification, whereas in other cases, there is no sex difference. Therefore, it is important to consider such variables in dosage-mortality experiments, as discussed earlier in Chapter 5. 

From the preceding discussion, it is clear that immature animals may be more susceptible to insecticides than mature ones. It also indicates that certain stages of insect development are likely to be more tolerant of insecticides than others. 

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