MadSci Network: Biochemistry
Query:

Re: How does cyanide affect the mitochondria?

Date: Mon Jan 25 13:23:27 1999
Posted By: Dr. Richard J. Obiso, Jr., Faculty, MICROBIOLOGY AND Biochemistry, East Tennessee State Univ.
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 916016153.Bc
Message:

Cyanide is in love with a protein called the cytochrome oxidase.  The 
cytochromes in the membrane of the mitochondria are involved in a process 
called oxidative phosphorylation.  Oxidative phosphorylation is when the 
cell makes ATP energy for the cell.  The cell needs proteins called 
cytochromes in order to complete the process of producing ATP by oxidative 
phosphorylation.  
So, in normal circumstances, ATP is produced by the mitochondria via 
oxidative phosphorylation.  This requires oxygen.  When the process is 
working, oxygen is reduced to water.
When cyanide is present (remember that cytochrome oxidase and cyanide are 
in love with each other) the cyanide binds to the cytochrome oxidase and 
prevent oxygen from binding.  Cyanide does not let go, therefore, oxygen 
cannot bind nor can it be reduced to water.  Because of this, the 
mitochondria cannot make ATP.  When a cell cannot make ATP, the cell dies. 
That is why it is toxic !


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