Cyanide Poisoning and Cellular Respiration
Cyanide is terrifyingly effective because it targets cytochrome oxidase, a crucial enzyme in the electron transport chain. Without this enzyme, electrons can't reach oxygen, and ATP production grinds to a halt.
The cyanide acts as a competitive inhibitor - it binds to the enzyme's active site, blocking the normal substrate and preventing the enzyme from functioning. This is why the antidote works by binding to cyanide molecules, effectively removing them from circulation.
Different organs show varying sensitivity to cyanide - notice how kidney tissues generally use more oxygen than liver tissues, and rat organs are more active than sheep or ox organs. This reflects the different metabolic demands of various tissues.
Life-Saver Fact: Antidotes work by binding to the poison, making it unavailable to interfere with normal biological processes.