Question

How does carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas emitted by automobiles, prevent transport of oxygen into the body tissues?

• A. By changing oxygen into carbon dioxide
• B. By obstructing the reaction of oxygen with haemoglobin
• C. By blocking the lungs
• D. By forming a stable component with haemoglobin

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

By forming a stable component with haemoglobin

The affinity of the carbon monoxide towards haemoglobin is more compared to the affinity towards oxygen. The increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere which results in the binding of carbon monoxide with haemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin. There are very less sites for oxygen binding and transport of the oxygen is reduced in the body which is known as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.