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The transport of oxygen in the human body is a crucial process that is often studied in class 12 biology. Here's an overview of how oxygen is transported:
Respiration in the Lungs: Oxygen is first inhaled through the respiratory system. In the lungs, it diffuses from the air in the alveoli into the bloodstream.
Binding to Hemoglobin: Oxygen primarily binds to a protein called hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a molecule with four iron-containing heme groups, each of which can bind to an oxygen molecule. This forms oxyhemoglobin.
Transport in Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells circulate throughout the body, carrying oxygen in the form of oxyhemoglobin.
Release in Tissues: When red blood cells reach body tissues, they encounter lower oxygen levels. This causes oxyhemoglobin to release its oxygen, which can then be used by cells for cellular respiration.
Carbon Dioxide Exchange: At the same time, carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by cells is transported back to the lungs through the bloodstream. Some CO2 is carried in the form of bicarbonate ions, as mentioned in a previous response.
Return to Lungs: Oxygen-depleted blood returns to the lungs via the circulatory system. In the lungs, CO2 is expelled through exhalation, and the blood is oxygenated again.
This process of oxygen transport is essential for providing oxygen to body tissues and removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. It helps maintain proper physiological functions and is a fundamental concept in human biology and physiology, often taught in class 12.