Asked by nancy marie on Mar 10, 2024
Verified
What happens to the hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen (O2) when carbon monoxide (CO) is bound to it?
A) It decreases.
B) It increases.
C) It remains the same.
D) It varies from person to person.
Hemoglobin
A protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials, toxic when inhaled.
Oxygen Transport
The process by which oxygen is moved from the lungs to tissues throughout the body via the bloodstream, predominantly carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells.
- Evaluate the repercussions of external perturbations, like toxin exposure, on the equilibrium state of biochemical processes.
- Absorb the importance of hemoglobin in the facilitation of oxygen and carbon dioxide movement, including the negative influence of toxins like carbon monoxide.
Verified Answer
BK
Brittany KellerMar 10, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
When carbon monoxide (CO) binds to hemoglobin, it significantly reduces hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen. This is because CO binds to the iron in hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, effectively displacing oxygen and preventing its transport.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate the repercussions of external perturbations, like toxin exposure, on the equilibrium state of biochemical processes.
- Absorb the importance of hemoglobin in the facilitation of oxygen and carbon dioxide movement, including the negative influence of toxins like carbon monoxide.