Metabolic Poisons (FC)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to metabolic poisons, their mechanisms of action, and effects on cellular metabolism.

Arsenic

A metabolic poison that disrupts glycolysis by replacing phosphate in the G3P dehydrogenase step, resulting in zero net ATP generation.

Rotenone

Blocks Complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC), preventing NADH oxidation and causing a drop in NAD+ levels.

Fluoroacetate

Converted to fluoroacetyl-CoA in cells, which then inhibits aconitase, stopping the citric acid cycle (CAC).

Cyanide

A potent toxin that inhibits Complex IV of the ETC by binding to Fe3+ heme, leading to cellular death.

DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenol)

A metabolic uncoupler that carries protons across the mitochondrial membrane, wasting energy and generating heat.

Glycolysis

The metabolic process that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP; inhibited by poisons like arsenic.

NADH

A reduced form of NAD+ that carries electrons to the ETC; buildup occurs with toxins like rotenone.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of complexes in the mitochondria that produce ATP; disrupted by cyanide and rotenone.

Aconitase

An enzyme in the citric acid cycle inhibited by fluorocitrate, leading to energy collapse.

Complex I

The first enzyme complex of the ETC that rotenone blocks, affecting NADH oxidation.

Methemoglobin

An altered form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen, created during cyanide treatment with nitrites.

Thiosulfate

A treatment that converts cyanide into thiocyanate, helping reduce cyanide toxicity.

Proton Gradient

The difference in proton concentration across the mitochondrial membrane that drives ATP synthesis; uncoupled by DNP.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that uses a proton gradient to produce ATP; rendered inactive due to uncoupling by DNP.

Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase

An enzyme in the citric acid cycle inhibited by arsenic, affecting energy production.

Thermogenesis

Heat production due to uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, primarily seen with DNP.

Energy Failure

A critical shortage of ATP resulting from disruptions in metabolic processes caused by poisons.

Hypoxia

A condition resulting from insufficient oxygen levels, potentially caused by methemoglobin's inability to carry oxygen.

Fluorocitrate

A toxic compound formed from fluoroacetate that inhibits the citric acid cycle.

Citric Acid Cycle (CAC)

A metabolic pathway that generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA; inhibited by toxins.

Severe Toxicity

A critical dysfunction in energy metabolism, often a result of poisoning from metabolic toxins.