Cyanide is a deadly poison that attaches to cytochrome c oxidase, the last protein in the electron transport chain before the terminal electron acceptor. Based on your knowledge of the electron transport chain, which statement below best describes the action of cyanide on the body?
A) Cyanide does not allow H+ ions to be pumped into the outer membrane of the mitochondria and, therefore, they are never able to go down their concentration gradient and produce ATP.
B) Cyanide prevents NADH and FADH2 from dropping off their electrons at the beginning of the electron transport chain by causing a backup of electrons in the Krebs cycle.
C) Cyanide does not allow the Krebs cycle to be completed by blocking acetyl CoA from entering this cycle. This action shuts down the entire process of cellular metabolism.
D) Cyanide blocks the terminal electron acceptor oxygen and therefore will halt the production of ATP. The majority of ATP is normally produced in the electron transport chain and without it the body will begin to only go through glycolysis and start producing lactic acid and will eventually shut down due to a lack of ATP to run the body and because of the buildup of acid in the system.
E) Cyanide blocks the terminal electron acceptor, oxygen, causing an accumulation of CO2 in the tissues from cellular metabolism, and poisons the system due to excess waste products.
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