Question

Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a component of the electron transport chain. If cyanide poisoning occurs, would you expect the pH of the intermembrane space to increase or decrease? What effect would cyanide have on ATP synthesis?

Short answer

Cyanide attacks reduces cells ability to use oxygen, which would direct to death.

Step-by-step solution

Concept introduction 

Cyanide is a quickly acting, possibly lethal synthetic that can exist in different structures.

Explanation

Cyanide attacks the electron conveyance chain of mitochondria within cells and controls deriving of energy from oxygen.

Thus, $\mathrm{pH}$of the intermembrane space would rise due to the incapacity of pumping electrons into the intermembrane space. Therefore, ATP synthesis would arrest, cells would be incapable to use oxygen, which would direct to death.

Final Answer

Cyanide attacks reduces cells ability to use oxygen, which would direct to death. Cyanide is more destructive to the heart and cerebrum than to different organs in light of the fact that the heart and mind utilize a great deal of oxygen.