Which statement about carbon monoxide binding to heme is true?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement about carbon monoxide binding to heme is true?

Explanation:
Carbon monoxide forms an exceptionally strong bond with the iron in the heme group. It is a small, linear ligand that fits perfectly into the same pocket as oxygen and binds through a strong Fe–C bond while also engaging in favorable electronic interactions (donation from CO to iron and back-donation from iron into CO’s π* orbitals). This combination stabilizes the Fe–CO complex much more than the Fe–O2 interaction, so CO has a much higher affinity for heme than oxygen does. As a result, CO readily occupies the binding sites, hindering oxygen binding and delivery.

Carbon monoxide forms an exceptionally strong bond with the iron in the heme group. It is a small, linear ligand that fits perfectly into the same pocket as oxygen and binds through a strong Fe–C bond while also engaging in favorable electronic interactions (donation from CO to iron and back-donation from iron into CO’s π* orbitals). This combination stabilizes the Fe–CO complex much more than the Fe–O2 interaction, so CO has a much higher affinity for heme than oxygen does. As a result, CO readily occupies the binding sites, hindering oxygen binding and delivery.

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