Which protein found in red blood cells transports oxygen?

Which protein found in red blood cells transports oxygen?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Enzyme
• C. Hormone
• D. Genetic code

Answer: (A)

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. It contains four heme groups, each with iron that reversibly binds one oxygen molecule. This lets hemoglobin pick up oxygen in the lungs, where oxygen levels are high, and release it in tissues where it’s needed and oxygen levels are low. The way hemoglobin’s four subunits cooperate makes oxygen binding and release more efficient as conditions change. Enzymes are usually catalysts for chemical reactions, hormones are signaling molecules, and the genetic code stores information for making proteins. None of these primarily carries oxygen in the blood, so hemoglobin is the best fit for this role.

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. It contains four heme groups, each with iron that reversibly binds one oxygen molecule. This lets hemoglobin pick up oxygen in the lungs, where oxygen levels are high, and release it in tissues where it’s needed and oxygen levels are low. The way hemoglobin’s four subunits cooperate makes oxygen binding and release more efficient as conditions change.

Enzymes are usually catalysts for chemical reactions, hormones are signaling molecules, and the genetic code stores information for making proteins. None of these primarily carries oxygen in the blood, so hemoglobin is the best fit for this role.