Which blood component is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?

Which blood component is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?

• A. White blood cells (leukocytes)
• B. Plasma
• C. Red blood cells (hemoglobin)
• D. Platelets

Answer: (C)

Oxygen transport in the blood is carried primarily by hemoglobin inside red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein with iron-containing heme groups that bind oxygen reversibly. In the lungs, the high oxygen concentration allows hemoglobin to pick up O2 to form oxyhemoglobin. As blood circulates to tissues where oxygen is needed, hemoglobin releases the bound O2, which then diffuses into cells. This system is far more efficient than relying on dissolved oxygen in plasma, because only a small amount of oxygen can be dissolved in plasma on its own. White blood cells and platelets don't transport oxygen; they handle immune responses and blood clotting, respectively.

Oxygen transport in the blood is carried primarily by hemoglobin inside red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein with iron-containing heme groups that bind oxygen reversibly. In the lungs, the high oxygen concentration allows hemoglobin to pick up O2 to form oxyhemoglobin. As blood circulates to tissues where oxygen is needed, hemoglobin releases the bound O2, which then diffuses into cells. This system is far more efficient than relying on dissolved oxygen in plasma, because only a small amount of oxygen can be dissolved in plasma on its own. White blood cells and platelets don't transport oxygen; they handle immune responses and blood clotting, respectively.