• Question: Why is cyanide dangerous?

    Asked by mattw to Duncan, Kiran, Paul, Sarah, Sharon on 27 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Sharon Sneddon

      Sharon Sneddon answered on 26 Mar 2010:

      Cyanide is an inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (this is REALLY important in cells). It attaches to the iron within this protein. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted, meaning that the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. There are antidotes for cyanide though.

    • Photo: Kiran Meekings

      Kiran Meekings answered on 26 Mar 2010:

      Cyanide stops an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase working and means cells can’t aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected and can kill…

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