Metabolic agents affect the body's ability to use oxygen. Which of the following is an example?

Metabolic agents affect the body's ability to use oxygen. Which of the following is an example?

• A. Agents that cause skin irritation only.
• B. Metabolic agents affect the body's ability to use oxygen, such as cyanide.
• C. Agents that disrupt blood clotting.
• D. Agents that cause memory loss.

Answer: (B)

Metabolic agents that affect oxygen use act at the cellular level, blocking the body's ability to convert oxygen into usable energy. Cyanide is the classic example because it inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, stopping oxidative phosphorylation. Even with oxygen present and delivered to tissues, cells can’t use it, leading to histotoxic hypoxia and rapid energy failure. The other options describe surface irritation, disrupted clotting, or memory changes—effects that don’t involve preventing cells from using oxygen. So cyanide best exemplifies a metabolic agent that impairs cellular oxygen utilization.

Metabolic agents that affect oxygen use act at the cellular level, blocking the body's ability to convert oxygen into usable energy. Cyanide is the classic example because it inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, stopping oxidative phosphorylation. Even with oxygen present and delivered to tissues, cells can’t use it, leading to histotoxic hypoxia and rapid energy failure. The other options describe surface irritation, disrupted clotting, or memory changes—effects that don’t involve preventing cells from using oxygen. So cyanide best exemplifies a metabolic agent that impairs cellular oxygen utilization.