Question

12. (1.5) Azides are used as propellants in airbags, but they can inhibit the function of the heme group found within cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) of the ETC. There have been some repo azide intoxication in car crash victims, and the victims often have increased lactic acid levels in their brains. Explain why the increased lactate is observed, including all the products of all the relevant pathways rted cases of

Answer 1

Azide is a important inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration that blocks cytochrome C oxidase or Complex IV. This is main role
in Electron transport chain where it transfer the electron to O2 to form H2O molecules in the matrix.
Due to inhibition of complex IV electrons accumulate in the cell which came from NADH and FADH2 reduction through TCA cycle. So, it has to inhibit the TCA cycle to reduce the NADH and FADH2 cocentration in the cells. This could be acheive by   by blocking the pyruvate compound from glycolysis enter into TCA cycle through anaerobic respiration where it converts pyruvate to lactic acid.