The function of hemoglobin is

The correct answer is to transport oxygen.

Key Points

• Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds with oxygen to facilitate its transportation throughout the body.
• It is composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs.
• Hemoglobin efficiently delivers oxygen to tissues and organs where it is required for cellular respiration and energy production.
• It also plays a role in transporting carbon dioxide, a waste product, from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.
• Hemoglobin's oxygen-binding capacity is influenced by factors such as pH levels, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

Additional Information

• Structure of Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of two alpha and two beta chains, each with a heme group that contains an iron atom responsible for oxygen binding.
• Oxygen Dissociation Curve: The oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is sigmoidal, indicating how hemoglobin's ability to bind oxygen changes with oxygen concentration.
• Anemia: A condition caused by low levels of hemoglobin, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body and symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
• Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder where abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) causes red blood cells to become misshapen, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Hemoglobin has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen, which can inhibit oxygen transport and lead to life-threatening conditions.