Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO), into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition?

  1. When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO2.

  2. The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen

  3. The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin.

  4. The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

CO causes hypoxia because it has 200-250 times higher affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and preventing oxygen transport. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because CO is not converted to CO2, does not destroy hemoglobin structure, and primarily affects oxygen transport at the molecular level rather than the respiratory center in the brain.

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