The data that Mickleberry analyzed is related to mitochondrial electron carriers and their oxidized state. Let's break down the information provided to understand how this led Mickleberry to conclude that the victim did not suffocate.
1. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are specialized structures within cells that generate energy in the form of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process called cellular respiration.
2. Electron Carriers: During cellular respiration, electrons are passed along a chain of molecules known as electron carriers. These electron carriers play a crucial role in the generation of ATP.
3. Oxidized State: These electron carriers exist in two states: oxidized and reduced. In the oxidized state, the carriers have lost electrons, while in the reduced state, they have gained electrons.
Based on Mickleberry's analysis, he found that all the electron carriers in the victim's mitochondria were in the oxidized state. This information is significant because the presence of oxidized electron carriers indicates that cellular respiration, and consequently the production of ATP, was severely disrupted or halted.
The key inference that can be drawn from this finding is that the victim did not suffocate. If suffocation had occurred, it would primarily impact oxygen supply, leading to a lack of oxygen available for cellular respiration. In this case, the electron carriers would still have electrons, meaning they would be in the reduced state, not oxidized.
To confirm the actual cause of death, Mickleberry suggests performing a second autopsy, which may involve examining other organs or tissues that might reveal more information about what led to the disruption of cellular respiration and the subsequent death of the victim.