Transport of oxygen in the body involves the complex molecules haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 4
Transport of oxygen in the body involves the complex molecules haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin.
haemoglobin + oxygen ⇌ oxyhaemoglobin.
If carbon monoxide (CO) is pr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Transport of oxygen in the body involves the complex molecules haemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. the equilibrium constant, K, for the reaction is reduced.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. The equilibrium constant is a property of the reaction at a given temperature and is not directly influenced by the presence of reactants in a way that diminishes or reduces it.
Step 2
B. CO reacts with oxygen to form CO₂, driving the equilibrium to the left.
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This statement is also incorrect. While CO does react with oxygen, the relevant reaction to consider here is the binding of CO to haemoglobin, rather than the formation of carbon dioxide, which does not capture the primary toxic mechanism.
Step 3
C. the equilibrium shifts to the left because haemoglobin bonds strongly with CO.
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Answer
This statement is correct. Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin much more effectively than oxygen, leading to a reduced availability of oxygen as haemoglobin binds CO instead. Thus, the equilibrium shifts to the left, resulting in less oxyhaemoglobin.
Step 4
D. CO catalyses the decomposition of oxyhaemoglobin into haemoglobin and oxygen.
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This statement is incorrect. Carbon monoxide does not act as a catalyst in this context. Instead, it inhibits the release of oxygen from haemoglobin by occupying the binding sites.
