Lead Is Toxic, but Do You Know Why? Lead Is

Multiple Choice

Lead is toxic, but do you know why? Lead is toxic mainly because it preferentially replaces other metals in biochemical reactions. In so doing it interferes with the proteins that regulate blood pressure (which can cause development delays in children and high blood pressure in adults) , heme production (which can lead to anemia) , and sperm production. Lead also displaces calcium in the reactions that transmit electrical impulses in the brain, which diminishes the ability to think and recall information. Anne Marie Helmenstine, "Your Guide to Chemistry"

A) Argument; conclusion: It interferes with the proteins ... and sperm production.
B) Argument; conclusion: Lead is toxic.
C) Nonargument.
D) Argument; conclusion: It preferentially replaces other metals in biochemical reactions.
E) Argument; conclusion: Lead also displaces calcium ... recall information.