What protein in red blood cells transports oxygen throughout the body?

What protein in red blood cells transports oxygen throughout the body?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Myoglobin
• C. Albumin
• D. Fibrin

Answer: (A)

Oxygen transport in red blood cells is carried out by hemoglobin, which binds oxygen through its heme groups that contain iron. This binding is reversible, so hemoglobin can pick up oxygen in the lungs where oxygen levels are high and release it in tissues where oxygen is needed. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules, and the binding of one oxygen molecule increases the affinity for others, making the system efficient for picking up oxygen and delivering it where it’s required. In the lungs, high oxygen concentration shifts hemoglobin into the oxygen-bound form; in tissues, factors such as lower oxygen pressure, higher carbon dioxide, lower pH, and higher temperature promote oxygen release to cells. Myoglobin stores oxygen in muscle tissue for quick access during activity, but it’s not carried in red blood cells and binds only one oxygen molecule. Albumin is a major plasma protein that transports various substances, not oxygen, and fibrin is involved in blood clotting rather than oxygen transport.

Oxygen transport in red blood cells is carried out by hemoglobin, which binds oxygen through its heme groups that contain iron. This binding is reversible, so hemoglobin can pick up oxygen in the lungs where oxygen levels are high and release it in tissues where oxygen is needed. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules, and the binding of one oxygen molecule increases the affinity for others, making the system efficient for picking up oxygen and delivering it where it’s required. In the lungs, high oxygen concentration shifts hemoglobin into the oxygen-bound form; in tissues, factors such as lower oxygen pressure, higher carbon dioxide, lower pH, and higher temperature promote oxygen release to cells. Myoglobin stores oxygen in muscle tissue for quick access during activity, but it’s not carried in red blood cells and binds only one oxygen molecule. Albumin is a major plasma protein that transports various substances, not oxygen, and fibrin is involved in blood clotting rather than oxygen transport.