What condition results from a metabolic poison like cyanide?

Cyanide acts as a metabolic poison by inhibiting the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which is a crucial component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This inhibition prevents cells from effectively using oxygen, even though oxygen is adequately provided by the blood. As a result, cells become unable to produce ATP through aerobic respiration, leading to a state of cellular toxicity where tissues are unable to utilize oxygen for metabolic processes. This condition is specifically termed histotoxic hypoxia.

Histotoxic hypoxia occurs when tissues are unable to utilize oxygen due to some form of poisoning, despite having normal oxygen levels and blood flow. Therefore, when cyanide enters the system, it induces histotoxic hypoxia by disrupting cellular respiration at a critical biochemical level, rendering cells unable to perform their metabolic functions correctly.