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 pre... 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, K, is dependent on the temperature and is not directly affected by the presence of carbon monoxide.
Step 2
B. CO reacts with oxygen to form CO₂, driving the equilibrium to the left.
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Answer
This statement is misleading. While CO can affect the reaction, it does not primarily react with oxygen to form CO₂ in this context.
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 more effectively than oxygen, resulting in a shift in equilibrium towards the formation of haemoglobin and reducing the availability of oxyhaemoglobin.
Step 4
D. CO catalyses the decomposition of oxyhaemoglobin into haemoglobin and oxygen.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. CO does not catalyze the reaction but rather inhibits the binding of oxygen by occupying the binding sites on haemoglobin.
