Why are red blood cells needed to transport gases in the blood?
Oxygen and carbon dioxide will both go into solution in the plasma (the fluid part of the blood). Hemoglobin in red blood cells will bond to both oxygen and carbon dioxide. There are several reasons why red blood cells are necessary for respiration. First oxygen gas has a very low solubility in blood fluids and the circulatory system would not be able to deliver enough oxygen to tissues using dissolved oxygen alone. Second, hemoglobin takes gases out of solution which maintains a concentration gradient and continued diffusion of gases into the blood. Third carbon dioxide in solution reduces the pH of the blood with harmful effects. View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.
Related Questions
- Do we understand the transport of trace gases between the troposphere and the stratosphere and the role of upper tropospheric aerosols, water vapor and ozone in climate change?
- What happens when Ribavirin or (COPEGUS) lowers your red blood count?/ Red Blood Cells : What is to low?
- Are the cord blood stem cells stable during transport to the laboratory?
