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Multiple Choice
Which cell is responsible for picking up oxygen to transport to tissues throughout the body?
A
Platelet (thrombocyte)
B
Leukocyte (white blood cell)
C
Erythrocyte (red blood cell)
D
Neuron
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the function of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Erythrocytes are specialized cells in the blood responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Step 2: Learn about hemoglobin, the protein within erythrocytes. Hemoglobin binds oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in tissues where oxygen is needed. The chemical reaction can be represented as: .
Step 3: Compare the functions of other cell types listed in the problem. Platelets (thrombocytes) are involved in blood clotting, leukocytes (white blood cells) are part of the immune system, and neurons are nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals. None of these are involved in oxygen transport.
Step 4: Recognize that erythrocytes are uniquely adapted for oxygen transport due to their biconcave shape, which increases surface area for gas exchange, and their lack of a nucleus, which allows more space for hemoglobin.
Step 5: Conclude that erythrocytes (red blood cells) are the correct answer because they are the only cells specialized for picking up oxygen and transporting it to tissues throughout the body.