Question

Cynaide is a deadly poison that blocks the last step in the electron transport chain of aerobic respiration. What is the bottom line effect that causes death?

A) ATP synthesis will stop

B) The body will no longer have oxygen in the bloodstream

C) the ATP synthase wont work because its damaged

D) NADH will not be formed

E) Fluorescence is halted

Answer 1

Correct option is : A) ATP synthesis will stop

In a nutshell, cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen to make energy molecules.

The cyanide ion, CN-, binds to the iron atom in cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria of cells. It acts as an irreversible enzyme inhibitor, preventing cytochrome C oxidase from doing its job, which is to transport electrons to oxygen in the electron transport chain of aerobic cellular respiration. Without the ability to use oxygen, mitochondria can't produce the energy carrier adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Tissues that require this form of energy, such as heart muscle cells and nerve cells, quickly expend all their energy and start to die. When a large enough number of critical cells die, you die.