Problem:
I know cyanide inhibits complex IV in the electron transport chain, but I don't understand why this makes it so toxic. If cyanide is bound to the complex, can't the electrons just bypass it and reduce oxygen directly? That way fewer protons would be pumped out of the matrix, but most still would, and aerobic respiration would just be less efficient, rather than stopping entirely.
Required:
Question: What I'm asking is what causes the electrons to get "stuck"?
Could anyone help me please?