Answer: oxygen.
- A oxygen
- B nitrogen
- C water
- D glucose
Correct answer: A. oxygen
Explanation: CO binds haemoglobin about 200 times more tightly than oxygen, blocking oxygen transport.
The S-shaped (sigmoid) curve reflects cooperative binding between Hb's four O₂ sites; the Bohr effect shifts the whole curve to the right under conditions found in actively respiring tissue (more CO₂, more acid, more heat), making haemoglobin release oxygen more readily exactly where it's needed.
Concept context
The mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gas transport in blood, the Bohr effect, and respiratory regulation.