Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cell that carries oxvgen from

Question

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cell that carries oxvgen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Carbon monoxide poisoning results from the formation of a complex of carbon monoxide with the hemoglobin that is 200 times stronger than the oxygen-hemoglobin complex. This makes it extremely difficult for the oxygen to compete with CO in being carried to the cells. When too much hemoglobin is tied up by the CO, death occurs by asphyxiation. The reactions: Hemoglobin-O2 + CO Hemoglobin-CO + O2 What would be a logical treatment for a person suffering from CO poisoning?

Explanation / Answer

write the given reaction,

Hemoglobin-O2 + CO <=> Hemoglobin- CO + O2

so according to Le chatelier principle, if we increase the concentration of O2 on the product side, the equilibrium reaction will shift to left side to decrease the concentration of O2. So the backward reaction will proceed and will get more amount of oxygenated hemoglobin. So it is the logical way ( give more oxygen) to treat a person suffering from CO poisoning.

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