Oxygen in the blood is carried most efficiently by
A) combining with blood plasma
B) combining with water in the blood
C) combining with hemoglobin in blood cells
D) moving up the diffusion gradient of oxygen in the lungs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds with oxygen and transports it to different parts of the body. It is a very efficient way for oxygen to be carried in the blood as each hemoglobin molecule can bind with four oxygen molecules, maximizing the amount of oxygen carried per molecule. Combining with blood plasma or water in the blood would not be as efficient as it can only carry a limited amount of oxygen. Moving up the diffusion gradient of oxygen in the lungs is important for oxygen to enter the blood, but it is not a method of transportation in the blood itself.

Oxygen in the Blood Is Carried Most Efficiently by