While touring South America Betty 52 130 lbs 14 years old an

While touring South America, Betty (5\'2\", 130 lbs, 14 years old) and her grandmother Bertha (5’7”, 150 lbs, 75 years old) were exposed to DDT by eating contaminated salad at a cantina. Even though both ate approximately the same amount, Bertha experienced severe headaches and involuntary tremors (shakes), which subsided after 4 hours, while Betty was asymptomatic. In detail, explain at least 3 reasons the two responded so differently. Sketch a properly labeled plasma concentration vs time curve comparing DDT levels in each woman’s blood. Show how DDT is metabolized, identify enzyme(s), phases, and its principal metabolite.

Solution

the two of them responded so differently to the DDT concentration because:

1. there is a significant difference between their age and so as a growing child, betty is in much better health than bertha and therefore can metabolize DDT faster and therefore experiences less effects.

2. there is a difference in the weight of both women bertha even though weighs more, has more height and therefore even in less dose of DDT, she experiences the side effects.

3. the way the body reacts to a particular toxin also depends on the genetics of a person. Bertha\'s genetics is in a way that she could not metabolize DDT properly whereas Betty can.