How does the carbon monoxide emitted by automobiles prevent the transport of oxygen in the body tissues?
Correct answer: A. By forming a stable compound with haemoglobin.
- A. By forming a stable compound with haemoglobin.
- B. By obstructing the reaction of oxygen with haemoglobin.
- C. By changing oxygen into carbon dioxide.
- D. By destroying the haemoglobin.
Explanation
Carbon monoxide (CO) prevents the transport of oxygen in the body tissues by interfering with the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it enters the bloodstream through the lungs. In the bloodstream, CO has a much higher affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen. This means that CO molecules preferentially bind to hemoglobin over oxygen. When CO binds to hemoglobin, it forms a compound called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Carboxyhemoglobin has a stronger bond with hemoglobin than oxyhemoglobin (the form of hemoglobin that carries oxygen). As a result, COHb accumulates in the bloodstream, displacing oxyhemoglobin.
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