Poisons such as cyanide are particularly effective if they are in hydrogen, potassium and sodium ionic compounds. This is because the sodium and potassium salts, when ingested react with the hydrogen chloride in the stomach to produce hydrogen cyanide. Furthermore, the water solubility of cyanide means that the cyanide ions easily enter the bloodstream where it binds to the haemoglobin, taking the place of oxygen, preventing the binding of oxygen and limiting the amount of...
Poisons such as cyanide are particularly effective if they are in hydrogen, potassium and sodium ionic compounds. This is because the sodium and potassium salts, when ingested react with the hydrogen chloride in the stomach to produce hydrogen cyanide. Furthermore, the water solubility of cyanide means that the cyanide ions easily enter the bloodstream where it binds to the haemoglobin, taking the place of oxygen, preventing the binding of oxygen and limiting the amount of aerobic respiration allowed to occur. Furthermore, the cyanide ions can then to the non-competitive inhibitor site of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase, altering its active site shape, effectively denaturing it. As a result of the oxygen, which will usually bind to it for aerobic respiration, cannot bind and therefore prevents aerobic respiration from taking place. This is particularly has severe effects on the nervous system which is heavily dependent on aerobic respiration, causing organ failures and fatality if the dosage is high enough.
