Since cyanide directly poisons mitochondria, what cell process does cyanide specifically harm
The cyanide ion halts cellular respiration by inhibiting an enzyme in the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase. Cyanide poisoning is a form of histotoxic hypoxia because the cells of an organism are unable to use oxygen, primarily through the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase.hiosulfate + cyanide sulfite + thiocyanate Cyanide poisoning occurs when a living organism is exposed to a compound that produces cyanide ions (CNâ) when dissolved in water. Common poisonous cyanide compounds include hydrogen cyanide gas and the crystalline solids potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide.