Explanation
Analysis of Assertion (A)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly toxic. When inhaled in high concentrations, it leads to oxygen deprivation in the body, which can result in unconsciousness and death. Therefore, Assertion A is True.
Analysis of Reason (R)
The toxicity of CO arises because it has an affinity for hemoglobin (Hb) that is approximately 200 to 250 times stronger than that of Oxygen (O2).
When inhaled, it reacts with hemoglobin to form a stable complex called Carboxyhemoglobin:
This prevents hemoglobin from binding with oxygen to form Oxyhemoglobin (HbO2). As the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to vital organs (like the brain and heart) drops, the body suffers from asphyxiation. Therefore, Reason R is True and correctly explains why inhalation causes death.
Final Answer:
Most appropriate option: Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
