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Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of hemoglobin in erythrocytes?
A
To regulate blood pressure
B
To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
C
To store oxygen in muscle cells
D
To initiate blood clotting
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the circulatory system. They are primarily responsible for transporting gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, throughout the body.
Recognize that hemoglobin is a protein found in erythrocytes. It has a high affinity for oxygen, allowing it to bind oxygen molecules efficiently.
Learn that the primary function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs, where oxygen is abundant, to the tissues, where it is needed for cellular respiration.
Consider the structure of hemoglobin, which consists of four subunits, each containing an iron atom that can bind one oxygen molecule. This allows hemoglobin to carry up to four oxygen molecules at a time.
Differentiate the function of hemoglobin from other roles such as storing oxygen in muscle cells (a function of myoglobin) or initiating blood clotting (a function of platelets and clotting factors).