1. What effect would cyanide have on the electron transport chain and the production of ATP? Explain your answer. Ans.

Cyanide would have a significant impact on the electron transport chain and the production of ATP. The electron transport chain is a crucial component of cellular respiration, where electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes to generate a proton gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP.Cyanide acts as a potent inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase, also known as Complex IV, which is the final enzyme in the electron transport chain. Cytochrome c oxidase is responsible for transferring electrons to oxygen, the final electron acceptor, and reducing it to water. When cyanide binds to the iron within cytochrome c oxidase, it prevents the transfer of electrons to oxygen, effectively halting the electron transport chain.As a result, the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane cannot be established, and ATP synthesis is disrupted. The lack of ATP production leads to a rapid depletion of cellular energy, causing cell death and potentially resulting in systemic organ failure and death if not addressed promptly.In summary, cyanide poisoning disrupts the electron transport chain by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase, leading to a cessation of ATP production and subsequent cellular and systemic damage.