Q156 / 160 · JIPMER 2004 · Zoology

CO is harmful to human being because

  • A
    it decreases $\mathrm{CO}_2$ concentration
  • Correct answer
    B
    it competes $\mathrm{O}_2$ to combine with haemoglobin
  • C
    it is carcinogenic
  • D
    it depletes $\mathrm{O}_3$ layer

Solution

Haemoglobin forms a stable compound with CO. The affinity of haemoglobin for CO is 200 times more than for $\mathrm{O}_2$ so even $0.1 \%$ CO blocks $50 \%$ haemoglobin of the body due to which oxygen carrying capacity of blood is decreased. This is called hypoxia.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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