Final answer:
Arsenic causes inhibition of cellular respiration, interfering with ATP production and Cl- ion transport, leading to dehydrated mucus and respiratory symptoms akin to cystic fibrosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arsenic is a potent poison because it causes inhibition of cellular respiration. Specifically, arsenic poisoning disrupts ATP production by inhibiting several of the enzymes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. This leads to decreased transport of Cl- ions by epithelial cells, which results in decreased electrolyte concentration in the mucus and the retention of water into the cells, causing dehydration of the mucus similar to symptoms observed in cystic fibrosis (CF).
The impact of arsenic poisoning on components of the plasma membrane and transport includes the disruption of the binding sites for Cl- ions, leading to altered mucus consistency and impaired function of the respiratory system, contributing to CF-like symptoms.