Poisons interfering with enzymes Flashcards
1
Q
What does cyanide do?
A
Inhibits respiration. Non-competitive inhibitor, so causes the active site to alter its shape.
2
Q
Which enzyme is involved?
A
Cytochrome oxidase
3
Q
Where is the enzyme found?
A
Within the mitochondria of a cell, and when inhibited, oxygen usage decreases.
4
Q
why is cyanide so deadly?
A
100mg can cause unconsciousness in 10-20 seconds. If untreated the body will slip into a coma in 45 minutes.
5
Q
What is the biological effect of this inhibitor?
A
Infected cell or cells can no longer respire aerobically, but can only respire anaerobically. Leads to a build up of lactic acid in the blood stream.
6
Q
What does penicillin do?
A
Inhibits a bacteria enzyme which forms cross-links int eh bacterial cell wall of some bacteria.
