NEETZoologyBreathing and Exchange of Gases
What is the primary medium of transport for oxygen (O₂) in the blood?
Options
- ARed Blood Cells (RBCs)
- BPlasma
- CBicarbonate
- DNone of the above
Correct answer
A. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Step-by-step solution
Blood is the medium of transport for O2 and CO2. About 97 per cent of O2 is transported by RBCs in the blood. The remaining 3 per cent of O2 is carried in a dissolved state through the plasma. Nearly 20-25 per cent of CO2 is transported by RBCs whereas 70 per cent of it is carried as bicarbonate. About 7 per cent of CO2 is carried in a dissolved state through plasma.