Question

Injecting a potassium solution into a person’s blood is lethal. Capital punishment and euthanasia utilize this method in their subjects. Why do you think a potassium solution injection is lethal?

Short answer

Potassium solution injection is lethal because if potassium solution injects into a person’s blood theheart would stop beating.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction  

Cells have a high concentration of potassium in the cytoplasm and a high concentration of sodium outside. In heart muscle, the sodium/potassium potential is responsible for transmitting the signal that causes the muscle to contract.

Step2. Explanation 

In heart muscle, the sodium/potassium potential is responsible for transmitting the signal that causes the muscle to contract. If the injection of potassium occurs, the normal electrochemical gradient will change and the signal can’t be transmitted. Consequently, the heart would stop beating.