Red blood cells (RBC) have what primary function?

Red blood cells (RBC) have what primary function?

• A. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and removing CO2
• B. White blood cells transport oxygen
• C. Platelets transport oxygen
• D. Plasma transports CO2

Answer: (A)

Red blood cells are specialized for moving gases throughout the body. Hemoglobin inside these cells binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues that need it, then picks up carbon dioxide from the tissues and releases it in the lungs to be exhaled. This gas-transport role is what makes red blood cells essential for cellular respiration and energy production across all tissues. Their biconcave shape increases surface area for efficient gas exchange, and they are packed with hemoglobin to maximize this function. While white blood cells and platelets serve immune defense and clotting, respectively, and plasma carries many substances, the main job of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Red blood cells are specialized for moving gases throughout the body. Hemoglobin inside these cells binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues that need it, then picks up carbon dioxide from the tissues and releases it in the lungs to be exhaled. This gas-transport role is what makes red blood cells essential for cellular respiration and energy production across all tissues. Their biconcave shape increases surface area for efficient gas exchange, and they are packed with hemoglobin to maximize this function. While white blood cells and platelets serve immune defense and clotting, respectively, and plasma carries many substances, the main job of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide as a waste product.