Question

If a man inhales carbon monoxide along with oxygen, he suffers from suffocation. It is because carbon monoxide

• A. Affects the muscles involved in breathing
• B. Affects nerves controlling breathing
• C. Forms a stable compound with oxygen
• D. Forms a stable compound with hemoglobin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Forms a stable compound with hemoglobin

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 hinders the ability of Hb to deliver oxygen to the body. CO is produced in normal metabolism and is also a common chemical. Since COHb releases carbon monoxide slowly, less haemoglobin will be available to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Conversion of most Hb to COHb results in death known medically as carboxyhemoglobinemia or carbon monoxide poisoning. Smaller amounts COHb lead to oxygen deprivation of the body causing tiredness, dizziness, suffocation and unconsciousness.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.