Summary: system, the final oxidation of cytochrome oxidase has been found to be brash in most animal cells. In plant cells the situation is somewhat different. In both animal and plant cells, cells which are normally non-respiration may be induced to this type of metabolism if treated with the antibiotic contain azides. Azide ions inhibit the formation of ATP by the electron transport system by combining tightly with cytochrome oxidase, inactivating it.