- #1
ambzrose
- 8
- 0
How do deadly chemicals like Cyanide, block the electron tranport sytem??
How does Cyanide block the electron transport system?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around how cyanide inhibits the electron transport system, particularly its effects on mitochondrial function and oxygen consumption. Participants explore biochemical mechanisms and comparisons to other poisons like carbon monoxide.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions how cyanide blocks the electron transport system, indicating a need for clarification on the mechanism.
- Another participant references a source stating that a concentration of 1 mM KCN can inhibit oxygen consumption by over 98%, suggesting a critical role of oxygen in the electron transport chain.
- It is noted that without oxygen, the Krebs cycle may cease, drawing a parallel to suffocation.
- A participant speculates on whether cyanide's effects on oxygen consumption might differ in bacteria that can ferment, indicating uncertainty about the broader implications of cyanide's action.
- One participant recalls that carbon monoxide inhibits oxygen uptake by binding to hemoglobin and wonders if cyanide operates similarly, prompting a search for more detailed information.
- A later reply provides a link to another source that discusses the mechanism of cyanide's action, suggesting it may involve an enzyme specific to mitochondria, akin to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying levels of understanding and curiosity about the mechanism of cyanide's action, with no consensus reached on the specifics of how it inhibits oxygen uptake or its comparison to carbon monoxide.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the biochemical processes involved remain unexamined, and the discussion includes references to external sources for further clarification, which may not cover all aspects of the topic.
- #2
gumbythescientist
- 11
- 0
I don't really feel like explaining it right now but this link might be of some use
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/s...s/when-did-mitochondria-evolve/"]mitochondria/mitopoisons.html[/url]
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/s...s/when-did-mitochondria-evolve/"]mitochondria/mitopoisons.html[/url]
- #3
Renge Ishyo
- 281
- 1
Via the link above:
Well there you go. The driving force force for the electron transport chain in the mitochondria is the presence of oxygen at the end of the chain to accept the hydrogens/electrons. No oxygen, and the whole Krebs cycle shuts down (it is the same as if you are suffocating in that respect).
This can (and probably has been) tested by seeing if CN will still have the same effect on bacteria that can ferment (respiration without the need for oxygen) and that might indirectly affirm this, but I don't have any first hand knowledge of this sort of thing.
Well there you go. The driving force force for the electron transport chain in the mitochondria is the presence of oxygen at the end of the chain to accept the hydrogens/electrons. No oxygen, and the whole Krebs cycle shuts down (it is the same as if you are suffocating in that respect).
This can (and probably has been) tested by seeing if CN will still have the same effect on bacteria that can ferment (respiration without the need for oxygen) and that might indirectly affirm this, but I don't have any first hand knowledge of this sort of thing.
- #4
Ouabache
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,349
- 10
That reference mentions that it inhibits oxygen consumption and has something to do with cytochrome oxidase. I remember from biochem, that carbon monoxide has a stronger affinity to hemoglobin versus oxygen and competitively inhibits oxygen uptake.. I wonder how CN inhibits oxygen uptake? (time to go dig out my biochem book)
Last edited:
- #5
Renge Ishyo
- 281
- 1
This website offers a somewhat clearer statement of the mechanism involved, and even a treatment of sorts:
http://www.manbir-online.com/diseases/cyanide.htm
It seems like this is a similar idea to Carbon Monoxide poisioning (where it binds and inhibits the ability for Oxygen to bind), only this seems to take place with an enzyme specific to the mitochondria.
http://www.manbir-online.com/diseases/cyanide.htm
It seems like this is a similar idea to Carbon Monoxide poisioning (where it binds and inhibits the ability for Oxygen to bind), only this seems to take place with an enzyme specific to the mitochondria.
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