oxidative phosphorylation

[elz787]

---

Members do not see this ad.

does anyone know why cyanide interrupts this process?

 

[Mrxle3]

I think that is way more in depth than you need to know...however, if I remember from my biochem class correctly, cyanide is an inhibitor of one of the complexes in the electron transport chain (I believe it's Complex IV). Therefore, cyanide would inhibit oxidative phosphorylation.

 

[dat_student]

does anyone know why cyanide interrupts this process?

interferes with hemoglobin+4O2....

no O2 -> no oxid. phos.

 

[ISU_Steve]

It blocks an enzyme called cytochrome a-a3 complex (also called cytochrome oxidase) and has a very great affinity for oxidized iron (Fe3+). It inhibits the final step of oxidative phosphorylation bringing aerobic metabolism to a screeching halt. Basically the patient suffocates at a cellular level from lack of O2, because of the need for cytochrome oxidase in the tricarboxylic acid cycle for production of ATP.

Some researchers believe that there are other enzymes (metalloenzymes being the one I recall of the top of my head) that are as sensitive or more sensitive to cyanide causing a much more complex biochemical slide into death than what I described above, but for intents and purposes what I described above is more than what you need to know.

 

[elz787]

thanks!

 

[ISU_Steve]

Like I said, not a problem. I'm more than happy to help explain stuff when I can.