Give a reason why cyanide effects the cellular respiration process if it enter the cell?

Answer 1

Cyanide deactivates the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. This is the last enzyme of the electron transport chain (the final step of cell respiration).

The electron transport chain allows a great concentration of protons (H+ ions) to build up in the matrix of mitochondria so that they can diffuse back through a channel which in turn synthesises ATP.

So basically cyanide stops the last step of cell respiration from occurring and as such inhibits ATP synthesis.

Answer 2

Cyanide is a potent competitive inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase, the last protein complex in the respiratory electron transport chain.

Answer 3

The cyanide radical binds to the cytochrome oxidase enzyme in cells, thereby cutting off the mechanism of oxygen transport, and preventing aerobic respiration, resulting in death.

Answer 4

Inhibits the enzyme AChE