Why is cyanide a poison?

Answer 1

Cyanide is lethal because it contains an ion that binds to enzymes and decrease their activity. It causes the entire cell to stop producing ATP (energy) through an ETC (electron transport chain). This effects some important tissues, like the heart and central nervous system, that process respiration. There are some compounds like hydrogen cyanide and sodium cyanide that are very dangerous and hazardous to the human body. An example of cyanide poisoning can be related to some mass extermination camps during the time of the Holocaust.

Answer 2

Cyanide poisoning is fatal because its effects are similar to suffocation. It works by disabling the body from using life sustaining oxygen.

It totally shuts down the electron transport system which produces energy for the cells. Death can occur in about 7 seconds.

Answer 3

Cyanide act as a inhibitor of ETC (electron tranport chain) which ultimately cause the inhibition of production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) i.e. why cyanide work as poison.

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Cyanide is a deadly poison because it disrupts the cellular respiration, quickly inhibiting the cytochrome C oxydase, an enzyme found in mitochondria - this phenomenon is very important for the oxygenation of the brain.

Answer 4

Cyanide is such a deadly poison because it disrupts the cellular respiration, quickly inhibiting the cytochrome C oxydase, an enzyme found in mitochondria - this phenomenon is very important for the oxygenation of the brain.

Answer 5

Cyanide inhibits the ability of a cell to produce energy in specific ways. A more detailed description invloves complex biochemistry and can be found by using the link below.

Answer 6

Not a 100% sure, but I think the cyanide ion (CN-) interfers with the hemoglobin's ability to attach to oxygen molecules in order to distribute oxygen throughout the body.