Chapter 7, Problem 27CQ

Summary Introduction

To explain: A normal individual is incapacitated when exposed to carbon monoxide sufficient enough to occupy the heme sites whereas anemic individual, whose blood has only half the normal Hb content, appears to be in good health.

Concept introduction: Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the individual inhales excess carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is toxic to cells. Anemia is a condition where there is a reduction in the total number of red blood cells (RBC) and the hemoglobin present in the red blood cells. The T state is the deoxyhemoglobin conformation and R state is the oxyhemoglobin conformation.