B.11A Cyanide Why it Kills On Level – 04
Cyanide will easily bind to the hemoglobin in red blood cells and be transported to all tissues in the body. It can then move by diffusion into cells. Once inside a cell, cyanide will move into a mitochondrion and bind to cytochrome oxidase, a protein molecule that is essential to the electron transport chain. When cyanide binds to cytochrome oxidase, the entire process stops, and no ATP is formed.
The effect of cyanide poisoning depends on how much cyanide enters the body. Low level exposure can lead to headache, dizziness, and confusion. Cyanide is one of the most lethal poisons known to man. Rapid treatment is needed for high levels of exposure, and medications can be given with chemicals that also bind to cyanide. High levels of exposure can have long-lasting effects, especially in the nervous system. The basal ganglia are particularly sensitive to cyanide toxicity. The basal ganglia are involved with memory and motor movement. Impairment of this system can lead to memory issues and tremors like those found in people with Parkinson’s disease.

It is hard to believe that something like a tiny apple seed can contain such a dangerous chemical. Of course, you would have to eat quite a bit to have a toxic effect. But now you know why you never eat the core of an apple!