Answer to Question #250280 in Organic Chemistry for Mohamed

Question

What complex of respiratory chain is inhibited by cyanides, CO and H2S?
By 4 scores

Answer 1

The four gases, nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) all readily inhibit oxygen consumption by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. This inhibition is responsible for much of their toxicity when they are applied externally to the body.