Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 40m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 20m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 52m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 57m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

8. Respiration

Electron Transport Chain

General Biology

8. Respiration

Electron Transport Chain

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1:25 minutes

Problem 4`

Textbook Question

Cyanide binds to at least one molecule involved in producing ATP. If a cell is exposed to cyanide, most of the cyanide will be found within the
a. Mitochondria.
b. Ribosomes.
c. Peroxisomes.
d. Lysosomes.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of mitochondria in ATP production: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the primary site of ATP production through cellular respiration.

Identify the process of ATP production: ATP is produced mainly through oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs in the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Recognize the effect of cyanide: Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain located in the mitochondria, preventing ATP production.

Consider the location of cyanide action: Since cyanide targets the electron transport chain, it will primarily affect the mitochondria where this chain is located.

Conclude the location of cyanide accumulation: Given its action on the electron transport chain, cyanide will be found in the mitochondria, where it disrupts ATP synthesis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

ATP Production

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the primary energy carrier in cells. It is produced mainly in the mitochondria through cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding ATP production is crucial because cyanide disrupts this process, affecting energy availability in cells.

Mitochondria Function

Mitochondria are organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, where most ATP is generated. They host the electron transport chain, a series of complexes that facilitate oxidative phosphorylation. Cyanide targets this chain, inhibiting ATP synthesis, which explains why cyanide accumulates in mitochondria.

Cyanide Toxicity

Cyanide is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain within mitochondria. By binding to this enzyme, cyanide prevents the transfer of electrons, halting ATP production and leading to cellular energy failure. This mechanism highlights why cyanide exposure primarily affects mitochondrial function.