Task: Research an enzyme inhibitor metabolic poison

Overview of Fluoracetic acid

Known as a trojan horse inhibitor, Fluor acetic acid is highly toxic towards humans and other
mammals through inhibition of the enzyme aconitase which is important in the tricarboxylic
acid cycle ( also known as Krebs cycle ) . The process of the tricarboxylic acid cycle is
important as it is the main source of energy for cells and a crucial part of aerobic respiration.
Consuming sodium fluor acetic acid therefore reduces energy production. Due to the
reduced energy production the victim will develop multiple symptoms within an hour of
consumption which includes nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain followed by sweating,
apprehension, confusion and agitation. It is possible for the victim to be put into a coma for
multiple days and a seizure occurring.

How it inhibits the enzyme

A toxicology review of sodium fluoracetic acid shows that it combines with coenzyme CoA-
SH to form fluor acetyl CoA, which can be a substitute for acetyl CoA in the tricarboxylic acid
cycle. This is bad as acetyl CoA is needed to be oxidised for energy production. Fluor acetyl
CoA reacts with citrate synthase to produce fluor citrate, a metabolite (substance necessary
for metabolism) of which then binds very tightly to aconitase, thereby inhibiting the enzyme
and halting the cycle. Due to this process, the compound was given the name of the trojan
horse inhibitor as initially it will not have the properties of an enzyme inhibitor however when
consumed it will turn into the competitive inhibitor fluor citrate.

Why is it bad for the individual?

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