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The hemoglobin molecule carries O2 in the blood

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The hemoglobin molecule carries O2 in the blood from the lungs to the cells, where the O2 is released for metabolic processes. The molecule can be represented as Hb in its unoxygenated form and as Hb.O2 in its oxygented form. One reason CO is toxic is that it competes with O2 binding Hb:

Hb.O2(aq) + CO(g) EQUILIBRIUM Hb.CO(aq) + O2(g)

Delta G is approximately 14 kj/mol at 37 degrees Celsius

a. What is the ratio of [Hb.CO]/[Hb.O2] at 37 degrees Celsius if [O2] = [CO]?
b. Suggest a reasonable way as to how to treat a victim of CO poisoning?

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The solution provides step-by-step explanations and detailed calculations. It also suggest reasonable ways to treat a victim of CO poisoning. References are included in the solution.

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a) Hb.O2 (aq) + CO (g) ↔ Hb.CO (aq) + O2 (g)

At equilibrium, the relationship for free energy is (see reference)
DeltaG = -RTlnK (1)
Delta G is approximately ...

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