Question

Consider a hepatocyte (liver cell) carrying out the oxidation of glucose under aerobic conditions. Potasstum cyanide, a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome c, is administered. Indicate whether each of the following statements about the effect of this uncoupler is true or false; if false, briefly justify in one or two sentences. (4 points total) (a) The rate of oxygen consumption will decrease. (b) The cell will switch from glucose oxidation to fatty acid oxidation. (c) ATP synthase will still be able to create ATP. (d) Lactic acid fermentation will increase sharply.

Answer 1

(a) The rate of oxygen consumption will decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of oxygen consumption will decrease due to the Potassium cyanide which inhibits both utilization of oxygen by the cell as well as ATP production. Cytochrome performs an important function in the mitochondria of the cell which is the production of ATP. Cyanide binds to the cytochrome and inhibits the ATP production that is performed by mitochondria of the cell. So Potassium cyanide decreases the rate of oxygen consumption in mitochondria.