Question

Assertion: Carbon monoxide is highly toxic (poisonous) in nature.
Reason: Carbon monoxide forms a stable complex with haemoglobin present in red blood cells.
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(C) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Answer 1

Hint In general, we have always listened that the molecules of carbon monoxide are harmful for living organisms; inhalation of this gas creates breathing problems and causes death too.

Complete step by step solution:
Let us discuss the gas described here i.e. Carbon monoxide gas;
Carbon monoxide- It is colourless, tasteless and odourless gas but is flammable and poisonous for living beings.
When breathed, it can displace the oxygen content in the blood and hence, will result in the deprivation of the heart, brain and other vital organs where oxygen is prime most content.
When mixed with blood streaks inside the human body, carbon monoxide binds strongly with the iron present in the haemoglobin. Iron sites are the oxygen binding sites but when CO is attached, it is very difficult to remove it and make a room for oxygen.
Hence, once CO is attached to the iron sites it is very difficult to be removed which results in lack of oxygen transportation by the blood. This causes a person to suffocate and even die.

Thus, option (A) is correct.

Note: Larger amounts of Carbon monoxide breathed in can cause death within minutes without any prior warning just causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate.