As a forensic pathologist,you have just completed an autopsy of a poisoning victim.After a thorough examination,you conclude that the victim died of cyanide poisoning.You know that cyanide binds to the cytochrome oxidase complex,and therefore list the official cause of death as suffocation due to cyanide exposure.However,if you wanted to provide a more technical explanation as to the cause of death,which process was specifically inhibited directly by cyanide?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cyanide inhibits the final step of the electron transport chain, which is the formation of water from oxygen. This leads to a buildup of electron carriers, ultimately resulting in a halt in ATP synthesis and cellular respiration. As a result, the victim experiences suffocation due to lack of oxygen.

As a Forensic Pathologist,you Have Just Completed an Autopsy of a Poisoning