LD50 mortality is what percentage?

LD50 mortality is what percentage?

• A. 25%
• B. 0%
• C. 75%
• D. 50%

Answer: (D)

LD50 represents the dose required to kill 50% of a test population. Because it specifically identifies the median lethal dose, the mortality percentage at this point is 50%. This measure is used to compare acute toxicity across substances: a smaller LD50 means higher acute toxicity because a smaller amount causes death in half the population. Remember that LD50 is specific to the species, strain, and exposure conditions tested, so LD50 can vary with those factors. Other percentages would refer to LD25 or LD75, not LD50, and 0% would mean no deaths occur.

LD50 represents the dose required to kill 50% of a test population. Because it specifically identifies the median lethal dose, the mortality percentage at this point is 50%. This measure is used to compare acute toxicity across substances: a smaller LD50 means higher acute toxicity because a smaller amount causes death in half the population. Remember that LD50 is specific to the species, strain, and exposure conditions tested, so LD50 can vary with those factors. Other percentages would refer to LD25 or LD75, not LD50, and 0% would mean no deaths occur.