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Cellular Respiration Discussion

Cellular Respiration Discussion

Q As shown in the figure, cyanide inhibits the electron transport chain by competing with O2 molecules for the cytochrome c oxidase heme group. Carbon monoxide (CO) has a similar effect. Both cyanide and carbon monoxide cause poisoning in victims of smoke inhalation. Predict the effects of these poisons on the following properties of mitochondria just after exposure: the pH of the intermembrane space, the concentration of NADH, and the rate of production of ATP in the matrix. Justify your predictions.

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I expect that after exposure to the toxins, the pH of the intermembrane space will rise, so the electron chain will no longer be able to send electrons into the intermembrane space. I expect that since the poisons will prevent the oxygen from joining with the electrons, NADH concentration will become weak. This suggests that no more electrons will flow. I predict that the ATP rate in the matrix will no longer be generated because the poisons effectively obstruct all (ATP comes from the transport chain of electrons, but poison prevents that from flowing) and ATP will no longer be able to generate, leading to the death of the cell.