Respiratory System Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Respiratory System Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

Although carbon dioxide is normally carried by hemoglobin, the fact that carbon monoxide reduces hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity would indicate that

  • A. different hemoglobins carry different gases.
  • B. carbon monoxide competes with oxygen for the same binding sites on hemoglobin.
  • C. binding of different gases is directed by a variety of enzymes.
  • D. carbon dioxide is an abnormal gas.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because carbon monoxide competes with oxygen for the same binding sites on hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. This is known as competitive inhibition. Other choices are incorrect because different hemoglobins do not carry different gases (A), binding of gases is not directed by enzymes in this context (C), and carbon dioxide is a normal gas in the body (D).