Question

Exposure to carbon monoxide (ex., coal gas) is extremely dangerous and can kill a person because -

• A. Carboxyhemoglobin reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen by rupturing a vast majority of erythrocytes.
• B. The compound Carboxyhemoglobin is formed with hemoglobin, which gradually clots the blood resulting in circulatory failure.
• C. Carboxyhemoglobin greatly modifies the structure of hemoglobin, thus making it lose its affinity for oxygen.
• D. The compound formed, Carboxyhemoglobin does not allow RBCs to carry out their respiratory function.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

The compound formed, Carboxyhemoglobin does not allow RBCs to carry out their respiratory function.

Carboxyhemoglobin(COHb) is a stable complex of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin that forms in red blood cells upon contact with carbon monoxide (CO). Large quantities of CO hinder the ability of Hb to deliver oxygen to the body.