2006-08-11 00:48:04 · 6 answers · asked by Khasi 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Cyanide salts are among the most rapidly acting of all known poisons. Cyanide is a potent inhibitor of respiration, acting on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and hence blocking electron transport. This results in decreased oxidative metabolism and oxygen utilization. Lactic acidosis then occurs as a consequence of anaerobic metabolism. Initially, acute cyanide poisoning causes a red or ruddy complexion in the victim because the tissues are not able to use the oxygen in the blood.
The effects of potassium cyanide are virtually identical to sodium cyanide. Once more than 100–200 mg of potassium cyanide is absorbed, consciousness is lost within one minute, sometimes within 10 seconds, depending on the strength of the body's immunity and the amount of food present in the stomach. After a span of about 45 minutes, the body goes into a state of coma or deep sleep and the person may die within two hours if not treated medically. During this period, convulsions may occur. Death occurs mainly by cardiac arrest.
2006-08-11 01:09:58 · answer #1 · answered by gangadharan nair 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cyanide is highly toxic. One teaspoon of 2% solution can kill a person. Fish and other aquatic life are killed by much weaker cyanide concentrations. Cyanide reacts with many other elements and is known to break down into several hundred different cyanide-related compounds.
2006-08-11 04:06:44 · answer #2 · answered by sexy_diva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cyanide ions bind to the iron atom of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria of cells. This deactivates the enzyme and breaks the electron transport chain, meaning that the cell can no longer use the oxygen which is available to it.
Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected.
Plants contain a cyanide-insensitive pathway for respiration in their mitochondria, and as a result are insensitive to concentrations of cyanide that are lethal to animals.
2006-08-11 00:53:52 · answer #3 · answered by sanyog Kesar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It just prevent the formation of oxyhemoglobin,
(cyanide bind to the hemoglobin)
meaning u lose the capacity to carry oxygen from the lung to the tissue leading to death
2006-08-11 03:51:46 · answer #4 · answered by fadil z 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obscures respiration. Cellular and tissues.
2006-08-11 00:54:14 · answer #5 · answered by Rob G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It causes the lungs to fill rapidly with fluid. You drown in your own fluids.
2006-08-11 00:51:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋