In a recent murder mystery, a woman died in minutes after consuming cyanide-laced sugar. Forensic scientists did some research and found out that death was caused by lack of the energy rich molecule ATP. Which cellular organelle was affected by this poison? In other words, in what organelle is ATP made?

Question

Biology

Ethan Huang

27 October, 09:28

In a recent murder mystery, a woman died in minutes after consuming cyanide-laced sugar. Forensic scientists did some research and found out that death was caused by lack of the energy rich molecule ATP. Which cellular organelle was affected by this poison? In other words, in what organelle is ATP made?

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Answers (1)

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Ashtyn Tucker · Answer 1

Mitochondria

Explanation:

Mitochondria is also called as powerhouse of the cell because ATP production occurs here. ATP is an energy rich molecule that is utilized by the cells in energy requiring metabolic processes. In absence of ATP, these processes do not occur and the cells ultimately die which proves fatal for the organism.

Cyanide is carbon and nitrogen containing compound. It is highly toxic because it affects mitochondria due to which ATP production is hampered. It inhibits mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. Cytochrome c oxidase or complex IV is a part of electron transport chain in mitochondria at the end of which ATP is generated. When the enzyme is inhibited, electron transport chain is also disturbed resulting in inhibition of ATP production.