Question

Which is a hemoglobin form present in the erythrocyte that has been exposed to carbon monoxide and is irreversible?

1) Oxyhemoglobin
2) Carboxyhemoglobin
3) Methemoglobin
4) Sulfhemoglobin

Answer 1

Carboxyhemoglobin is the hemoglobin form present in the erythrocyte that has been exposed to carbon monoxide and is irreversible.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hemoglobin form present in the erythrocyte that has been exposed to carbon monoxide and is irreversible is Carboxyhemoglobin.

When carbon monoxide (CO) is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the red blood cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin. This results in a reduced ability of the red blood cells to carry and deliver oxygen to the body tissues. Carboxyhemoglobin is formed through the reaction: Hb + CO → HbCO. The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is about 200 times greater than that of oxygen, making it difficult for oxygen to bind to hemoglobin when carbon monoxide is present.