Question

The electron transport chain (ETC), located in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, powers cellular respiration. As a final step in the process, cytochrome c oxidase transfers electrons to oxygen to form water.
Propose the outcome of an experiment where isolated mitochondria are treated with cyanide, an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase.

• A. The electrons would reverse flow, moving toward the start of ETC.
• B. Electron carriers would bypass cytochrome c oxidase, and deliver electrons to a downstream acceptor.
• C. Shutting down the ETC would not affect the Krebs cycle.
• D. Electron carriers would remain reduced, cell damage and death would occur.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Electron carriers would remain reduced, cell damage and death would occur.

The e${}^{-s}$ will not be accepted by Cytochrome C or the last complex, so previous carriers would remain reduced resulting in damage and death of the cell due do non production of ATP

So, the correct answer is 'Electron carriers would remain reduced, cell damage and death would occur'