Question

Gas Exchange and Transport Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged across the walls of alveoli and capillaries. Chemical properties of blood and red blood cells allow for efficient transport of gases throughout the body.Carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged across capillary and alveolus walls.Hemoglobin binds with and transports oxygen that diffuses from alveoli to capillaries. It also increases the efficiency of gas exchange.Carbon dioxide is transported in the blood in three ways. Most combines with water and forms carbonic acid. Some dissolves in plasma. Some binds to hemoglobin and proteins in plasma.

For Questions 2-7, complete each statement by writing the correct word or words.
6. ___________ binds with oxygen and increases the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

Answer 1

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that is comprised of two alpha and two beta subunits that surround an iron-containing heme group. Oxygen readily binds this heme group. The ability of oxygen to bind increases as more oxygen molecules are bound to heme.