Final answer:
In the case of suspected poisoning in the Chicago Cyanide Murders, analyzing toxicology reports is critical. Cyanide poisons the cellular respiration process by increasing the pH of the intermembrane space and halting ATP synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When investigating the Chicago Cyanide Murders as a case study on cellular respiration, one crucial step to take if poison is suspected is to collect and analyze toxicology reports. This will confirm the presence and type of poison. Cyanide, in particular, is known to inhibit cytochrome c oxidase, a vital component of the electron transport chain used in cellular respiration. If cyanide poisoning occurs, you would expect the pH of the intermembrane space to increase due to the halting of proton pumping by the respiratory chain, which diminishes the proton gradient. As for ATP synthesis, cyanide would have a detrimental effect, stopping the production of ATP since oxidative phosphorylation is no longer occurring, leading to cellular and organismal death.