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Question #46314
The Question
Cyanide toxicity specifically targets the mitochondrial electron transport system by binding to the binuclear center of Complex IV (Cytochrome c oxidase). In a systemic physiological model containing both actively respiring tissues and erythrocytes, which of the following cascades will NOT occur as a downstream consequence of this blockade?
Options
- A.
Accumulation of reduced Cytochrome c in the intermembrane space and cessation of metabolic water synthesis.
- B.
Collapse of the proton motive force across the inner mitochondrial membrane due to the arrest of electron flow.
- C.
Enhanced operation of the Band 3 anion exchanger to accelerate the Chloride shift (Hamburger's phenomenon).
- D.
An initial rightward shift of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve driven by compensatory anaerobic glycolysis.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
ETS_Complex_Specificity|Chloride_Shift|Chemiosmotic_ATP_Yield
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that the Chloride shift (Hamburger's phenomenon) is a passive process (facilitated diffusion) and might incorrectly assume it continues unaffected by mitochondrial poisons.
The trap lies in failing to synthesize that passive exchangers in erythrocytes fundamentally depend on the overall membrane potential and cellular homeostasis, which are strictly ATP-dependent.
Cyanide-induced ATP depletion indirectly but completely disables this mechanism.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Chloride Shift (Hamburger Phenomenon) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |