Autopsy of a case of cyanide poisoning shows all of the following features, EXCEPT:: (A) Congested organs, (B) Characteristic bitter lemon smell, (C) The skin shows pinkish or cherry red colour, (D) Erosion and hemorrhages in oesophagus and stomach
Answer is B. Cyanide poisoning is associated with a characteristic smell of bitter almonds and not of bitter lemon. Mechanism: Cyanide inhibits the action of enzymes such as cytochrome oxidase, carbonic anhydrase. It blocks the final step of oxidative phosphorylation and prevent the formation of ATP. Ref:The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology By Dr KS Narayan Reddy, Pages 560-1