Final answer:
Carbon monoxide has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, and when it is present, it binds to hemoglobin instead of oxygen. This prevents the transportation of oxygen through the body, leading to potential health issues such as headaches, confusion, and nausea. Administering pure oxygen is the standard treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
While carbon dioxide can readily associate and dissociate from hemoglobin, other molecules such as carbon monoxide (CO) cannot. Carbon monoxide has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen. Therefore, when carbon monoxide is present, it binds to hemoglobin preferentially over oxygen. As a result, oxygen cannot bind to hemoglobin, so very little oxygen is transported through the body. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and is therefore difficult to detect. It is produced by gas-powered vehicles and tools. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, confusion, and nausea; long-term exposure can cause brain damage or death. Administering 100 percent (pure) oxygen is the usual treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning. Administration of pure oxygen speeds up the separation of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin.
Learn more about affinity for hemoglobin