Similarities between the seven individuals:
The seven deaths are connected due to the similar symptoms they had before dying. The symptoms included:
- Confusion
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Headache
- Irregular breathing
The electron transport chain:
It is the most significant concluding stage of cellular respiration. The electron transport chain creates a major portion of the ATP. Glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle produce the vital antecedents.
The following are some useful facts about the electron transport chain that help us realize the cause of seven deaths.
- 1 molecule of glucose produces 34 ATP.
- The method consists of a regular electron movement from high to low energy. This creates the proton gradient.
- The proton gradient controls ATP manufacture but not electrons’ course or movement.
- The whole process simply takes place when oxygen is accessible.
Another important byproduct of the electron transport chain is water. Oxygen is considered the final electron acceptor because the electrons are taken up by oxygen molecules to produce water at the final step of the chain. In the absence of oxygen, electrons will escape into the cells, causing all kinds of cellular damage and ultimately killing our cells.
Conclusion:
A comprehensive examination of the injured cells revealed that mitochondria had very low levels of ATP. Mitochondria produce energy through cellular respiration, which is interrupted. Levels of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) and pyruvate were regular. Glucose and NAD+ levels were low compared to the normal level, while the pyruvate and NADH levels were high. These abnormalities influenced the electron transport chain.
Cyanide permanently fixes to cytochrome c oxidase (CcOX) of the electron transport chain and inhibits the transmission of electrons to oxygen which is the final acceptor of electrons. The test carried out for poisoning of all seven patients came positive for cyanide.
Works Cited
Briers, Demarcus. “The Electron Transport Chain Steps Simplified.” DBriers.com, 17 May 2015, www.dbriers.com/tutorials/2012/04/the-electron-transport-chain-simplified/.
