Cyanide toxicity disrupts which cellular process, leading to ATP depletion?

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Multiple Choice

Cyanide toxicity disrupts which cellular process, leading to ATP depletion?

Cyanide toxicity blocks oxidative phosphorylation by binding to cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, preventing electrons from being transferred to oxygen. This stops the proton pumping that creates the mitochondrial proton gradient, so ATP synthase cannot generate ATP. Without mitochondrial ATP production, cells rely on glycolysis, which is far less efficient, leading to ATP depletion. The other processes listed require ATP too, but the primary disruption causing the energy crisis is the shutdown of oxidative phosphorylation.

Cyanide toxicity blocks oxidative phosphorylation by binding to cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, preventing electrons from being transferred to oxygen. This stops the proton pumping that creates the mitochondrial proton gradient, so ATP synthase cannot generate ATP. Without mitochondrial ATP production, cells rely on glycolysis, which is far less efficient, leading to ATP depletion. The other processes listed require ATP too, but the primary disruption causing the energy crisis is the shutdown of oxidative phosphorylation.

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