Question

At high altitudes, the oxygen level in air is low. Climbers of very tall mountains risk altitude sickness, which is characterized by shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and confusion. The early symptoms of cyanide poisoning are the same as those for altitude sickness. Cyanide binds tightly to Cytochrome c oxidase, a protein complex that is the last component of mitochondrial electron transfer chains. Cytochrome c oxidase with bound cyanide can no longer transfer electrons. Explain why cyanide poisoning starts with the same symptoms as altitude sickness.