Interfering with enzymes - poisons and drugs Flashcards
What do poisons do?
Poisons inhibit or over activate enzymes.
What does potassium cyanide do?
Potassium cyanide inhibits cell respiration. Non-competitive inhibitors for a rival respiratory enzyme called cytochrome oxidase, in mitochondria. Decreases use of oxygen, so ATP is not made. 100-200mg required for an adult to lose consciousness – less than 10 seconds.
What are biosensors and what do they do?
Biosensor uses enzyme-controlled reactions to detect presence of substances. Reveals whether a certain product has been made.
How are viruses treated?
Virus infection treated with chemicals acting as protease inhibitors.
How is cystic fibrosis treated?
Enzyme used to treat cystic fibrosis. Allows passage of digestive enzymes, from pancreas to gut to be unblocked – acid resistant coating so not destroyed in stomach.
What Ethylene glycol and the issue with it?
Ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze. Broken down in the river by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase – forms oxalic acid, this is extremely toxic. Given huge ethanol (alcohol) dose as it’s a competitive inhibitor for alcohol dehydrogenase.
Why is snake venom so deadly?
Phosphodiesterases present in snake venom (causing heart not to work). Also contains enzyme acetyl cholinesterase; involved in nerve transmission – resulting in paralysis. Hyaluronidase breaks down connective tissues, contains ATP-ases, breaking down ATP.
