Stung by hairs of nettle leaves causes burning pain. This is due to the injection of
[amp_mcq option1=”Acetic acid” option2=”Methanoic acid” option3=”Sulphuric acid” option4=”Hydrochloric acid” correct=”option2″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
The burning pain caused by stinging hairs of nettle leaves is primarily due to the injection of chemicals including formic acid, also known by its systematic name methanoic acid (HCOOH). Other irritants like histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin are also present, but methanoic acid is a key contributor to the stinging sensation.
Methanoic acid (formic acid) is responsible for the stinging pain from nettle hairs.