The leaves of the nettle plant have stinging hairs. Their sting causes a burning pain because the hairs inject which acid into the skin?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Methanoic acid
The stinging hairs of nettle leaves inject methanoic acid (formic acid), the same acid found in an ant sting. Rubbing the area with the leaf of the dock plant, which grows beside the nettle, eases the pain.