CARBENDAZIM




Molecular structure:

Carbendazim or methyl-2-benzimidazol carbamate is used as a fungicid, and is also a metabolite of other fungicids such as benomyl. It is used world-wide on several crops (tobacco, fruit, vegetables, cereal, ...) to control fungi that can lead to plant disease. Carbendazim inhibits the polymerisation of free tubulin molecules, by binding an arginin residu of the ß-tubulin subunit.

The general population is exposed to carbendazim through fungicide residues on food.



Reference:

Decordier I., Dillen L., Cundari E., Kirsch-Volders M. "Elimination of micronucleated cells by apoptosis after treatment with inhibitor of microtubules." Mutagenesis, 2002, 17(4): 337-344