What Are Common Toxins That Affect the Citric Acid Cycle?
Several toxins can impact the citric acid cycle:
1. Arsenic: This toxic element can inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, which is crucial for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, thereby disrupting the cycle's initiation. 2. Fluoroacetate: This compound is metabolized to fluorocitrate, which inhibits aconitase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of citrate to isocitrate. 3. Mercury and Lead: These heavy metals can bind to sulfhydryl groups in enzymes, impairing their function and thus affecting the cycle.
