In: Biology
The most important known inhibitors of the ETC are:
? Amytal
? Rotenone
? Antimycin A
? CO
? Sodium Azide
? Cyanides
Indicate the nature of each of these inhibitors (what are they?), and how/where do they exert their effect on ETC.
Amytal: Amytal is a barbiturate which is used as insecticide. It blocks electron transport chain (ETC) between NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) and CoQ.
Rotenone: It is a plant product which is used as pesticide. It also blocks electron transport chain (ETC) between NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) and CoQ.
Antimycin A: It is an antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces griseous and uses for controlling some fish species. Antymicine A interferes with electron flow from cytochrome bH in Complex III (Q-cytochrome c oxidoreductase).
Carbon monoxide (CO): CO is colourless and odourless gas which is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels (engine and furnace exhausts are important sources). CO binds to the reduced form of iron in Hem groups (Fe++) in cytochrome Oxidase.
Cynaides: Cyanide is a gas mostly produced by indutrial or residential fire. Cyanide affects almost all metalloenzymes, but its main toxicity arises due to the binding with Fe+++ in the Hem groups in cytochrome Oxidase, inhibiting the functioning of the Electron Transport Chain.
Sodium azide: Sodium azide is inorganic compound used as propellants in airbags. It is also used as detonator in explosive industry. Sodium azide act similarily as cyanide.