Question

Hemoglobin is the blood protein responsible for the transport of oxygen. Carbon monoxide disturbs oxygen transport by?

1) destroying hemoglobin
2) destroying oxygen in the lung
3) binding more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen
4) destroying lung alveoli

Answer 1

Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for the transport of oxygen. Carbon monoxide (CO) disrupts this process by binding more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen, leading to tissue hypoxia. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be treated by administering pure oxygen to separate the carbon monoxide from hemoglobin. So, the correct option is 3) binding more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells and is responsible for the transport of oxygen. When carbon monoxide (CO) is present, it binds more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen, disrupting the normal transport of oxygen throughout the body. This means that very little oxygen can bind to hemoglobin, leading to tissue hypoxia. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be treated by administering 100 percent pure oxygen to speed up the separation of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin. So, the correct option is 3) binding more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen.