Assignment:
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) ↔ 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?
Provide complete and step by step solution for the question and show calculations and use formulas.