Toxins can interfere with energy metabolism at multiple stages. For instance, some toxins inhibit enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, while others might disrupt mitochondrial function, which is critical for oxidative phosphorylation. Disruption in these pathways can lead to decreased ATP production, causing cells to malfunction or even die. For example, cyanide is a potent toxin that inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain, effectively halting ATP production.
