Question

The reason carbon monoxide is so toxic is because it:

a. Is a protoplasmic poison
b. Combines with cytochrome oxidase
c. Has 200 times the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin binding sites
d. Sensitizes the myocardium

Answer 1

Carbon monoxide is highly toxic because it binds to hemoglobin with 200 times the affinity of oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be transported to the body's tissues and organs. This can lead to serious health consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas that can be deadly. It is toxic because it binds to hemoglobin in the blood with 200 times the affinity of oxygen, thereby preventing the normal binding of oxygen to hemoglobin. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported to the body's tissues and organs, leading to serious health consequences. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and nausea, and long-term exposure can result in brain damage or death.