Question

Carbon monoxide is a pollutant because it

• A. Reacts with O₂
• B. Reacts with haemoglobin
• C. Inhibits glycolysis
• D. Inactivates nervous system

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Reacts with haemoglobin

The correct option is B

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Carbon monoxide is considered a pollutant because it reacts with hemoglobin.
2. Haemoglobin usually combines with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin and transport oxygen via blood.
3. In presence of carbon monoxide, hemoglobin combines with it to form carboxyhemoglobin since carbon monoxide has a greater affinity than oxygen.
4. Carbon monoxide reduces the affinity of oxygen to haemoglobin.
5. Hence, vital organs lack oxygen and are in presence of unwanted carbon monoxide.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Carbon monoxide reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
2. The increased amount of carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment.
3. But the more immediate effect of carbon monoxide is that it will reduce oxygen availability by binding with hemoglobin in our body.

Option C:

1. Carbon monoxide is a product of glycolysis.
2. Pyruvic acid breaks down into carbon dioxide in the cytoplasm of the plant cell.
3. Oxygen inhibits glycolysis.

Option D:

1. Carbon monoxide severely affects the central nervous system.
2. Carbon monoxide when it reaches the brain can cause significant neurologic and psychiatric effects.
3. Carbon monoxide reaches the brain when transported via hemoglobin.

Final answer: Carbon monoxide is a pollutant because it reacts with haemoglobin and hinders the transport of oxygen.