Fighting enzymesInsects possess detoxification enzymes, which are proteins they produce naturally to defend themselves against toxic substances, often within hours of exposure. Detoxification enzymes bind to insecticide molecules, break molecular bonds, and leave behind less harmful compounds that can be excreted easily. The team selected five detoxification enzymes that have previously been identified as primary detoxification mechanisms. Limited efficiency with which detoxification enzymes attack insecticide molecules explains why some enzymes showed a weaker reaction. As a result, mosquitoes in some countries may already be more resistant to α-cypermethrin than mosquitoes in India.