Carbon monoxide metabolism

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of carbon monoxide and smoke from fires and engine exhaust on plants' ability to absorb necessary gases. Research has shown that smoke exposure can significantly decrease photosynthetic capacity in certain tree species, particularly deciduous angiosperms. However, while smoke may decrease photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, it does not significantly affect growth or secondary defense compound production. This is in contrast to engine exhaust, which mainly consists of water vapor and carbon dioxide and does not have a direct harmful effect on plants. However, nitrogen dioxide, which is present in both wood fires and engine exhaust, can be harmful to both animals and plants.
  • #1
Elite Jacob
4
0
Carbon monoxide can make carboxyhemoglobin in the human body. Do plants have a similar composition? Would smoke from fires and exhaust from fossil fuel engines have an effect on a plants ability to absorb the CO2 or O2 it needs?
 
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  • #2
Have you done any research into this? What did you find?
 
  • #3
Finally found something.
Twenty minutes of smoke exposure resulted in a greater than 50% reduction in photosynthetic capacity in five of the six species we examined. Impairment of photosynthesis in response to smoke was a function of reductions in stomatal conductance and biochemical limitations. In general, deciduous angiosperm species showed a greater sensitivity than evergreen conifers. While there were significant decreases in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, smoke had no significant effect on growth or secondary defense compound production in any of the tree species examined.
Physiological Effects of Smoke Exposure on Deciduous and Conifer Tree Species
W. John Calder,1 Greg Lifferth,1 Max A. Moritz,2 and Samuel B. St. Clair1
1Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
2Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Received 1 July 2009; Revised 6 December 2009; Accepted 1 February 2010
 
  • #4
'smoke' is different from 'engine exhaust gases'. Smoke is soot that is floating in air, they're small black carbon particles that are harmful when they enter your lungs. Soot is mainly a problem for plants because it is covering the leaves, just like normal dust does. Except soot particles are much smaller and have a good adhesion, so they tend to stick to the plants and are very effective in covering the surface. This is probably why in the research of Calder et al. they measure a lower stomatal conductance.
Engines also produce soot, but not nearly as much as a wood fire. Most of the exhaust gas is water vapor and carbon dioxide (which is also produced by wood fires), which are both greenhouse gases but they don't really harm plants in a direct way. Carbon monoxide is poisonous for animals in small quantities, but it doesn't seem to harm plants. Nitrogen dioxide seems to be harmful for animals as well as plants, and it causes (caused?) acid rain. CO and NO2 are present in wood fire as well as in engine exhaust gases.
 
  • #5


I can confirm that carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can have detrimental effects on the human body. When inhaled, it can bind to hemoglobin in our blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported to our tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even death.

In regards to plants, they do not have a similar composition to humans and therefore do not form carboxyhemoglobin. However, they are still affected by carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) in the process of photosynthesis to produce oxygen (O2). When carbon monoxide is present in the air, it can compete with CO2 for the same binding sites on the plant's cells, reducing their ability to absorb the necessary CO2 for photosynthesis. This can result in decreased growth and productivity in plants.

Smoke from fires and exhaust from fossil fuel engines contain high levels of carbon monoxide, which can have a significant impact on a plant's ability to absorb CO2 and produce O2. In addition, these pollutants can also damage the plant's leaves and other structures, further hindering their ability to carry out photosynthesis.

In conclusion, while plants do not metabolize carbon monoxide in the same way as humans, it can still have a negative impact on their growth and survival. It is important to reduce carbon monoxide emissions to not only protect human health, but also to maintain a healthy environment for plant life.
 

1. What is carbon monoxide metabolism?

Carbon monoxide metabolism refers to the process by which the body breaks down and eliminates carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can be produced by various sources such as car exhaust or faulty heating systems.

2. How does the body metabolize carbon monoxide?

The majority of carbon monoxide is metabolized in the liver, where it is converted into carbon dioxide and then eliminated through the lungs. This process is facilitated by enzymes in the liver.

3. Can carbon monoxide metabolism be affected by certain factors?

Yes, there are several factors that can affect the body's ability to metabolize carbon monoxide. These include the amount and duration of exposure, the individual's overall health and liver function, and the concentration of oxygen in the blood.

4. What happens if the body is unable to metabolize carbon monoxide?

If the body is unable to metabolize carbon monoxide quickly enough, it can build up in the blood and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and even death if left untreated.

5. Are there any long-term effects of carbon monoxide metabolism?

In cases of chronic exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide, there may be long-term effects on the body's metabolism and overall health. This can include damage to the central nervous system, heart, and blood vessels.

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