How does smoking cigarettes impact the red blood cells?
Correct answer: B. Decreases their ability to carry oxygen
- A. Decreases their ability to congeal
- B. Decreases their ability to carry oxygen
- C. Decreases their ability to reach their typical life duration
- D. Decreases their ability to cleanse wounds
Explanation
Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds strongly to haemoglobin, displacing oxygen and reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. This is why smoking can deprive tissues of oxygen even when red-cell numbers are not immediately reduced.
Last updated