Final answer:
In biology, a poison is a substance that causes harm or injury to organs. Cyanide is a toxic poison that inhibits an enzyme involved in aerobic metabolism, leading to histotoxic hypoxia. Other toxic compounds that can cause poisoning include hydrogen cyanide gas and cyanide salts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, a poison is a substance that causes death, injury, or harm to organs when an organism absorbs a sufficient quantity. A poison interferes with normal bodily functions, such as the delivery of oxygen to bodily tissues and cellular respiration.
Cyanide is an example of a toxic poison. It acts as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which is involved in aerobic metabolism. The inhibition of this enzyme leads to a form of hypoxia called histotoxic hypoxia.
Other toxic compounds that can cause poisoning include hydrogen cyanide gas and various cyanide salts. These substances interfere with cellular respiration, preventing the body's tissues from using oxygen.