Final answer:
Cyanide poisoning inhibits active transport in cellular respiration by preventing the establishment of a proton gradient, leading to a decrease in the pH of the intermembrane space and a reduction in ATP synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a component of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration. This enzyme is responsible for the transfer of electrons and the pumping of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. If cyanide poisoning occurs, the proton gradient cannot be established, leading to a decrease in the pH of the intermembrane space.
Furthermore, the reduction in ATP synthesis is another effect of cyanide poisoning. ATP synthesis occurs through oxidative phosphorylation, which relies on the proton gradient. Without the proton gradient, ATP synthase cannot effectively generate ATP.