Question

Discuss the significance of hemoglobin in respiration.

Answer 1

Hemoglobin and its importance:

1. Erythrocytes are the red blood cells that are present in the blood.
2. They contain the red pigment protein called hemoglobin that helps in transporting the respiratory gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.
3. It is the characteristic pigment protein that gives red colour to the blood.
4. It contains a heme group (Fe) that binds to the oxygen and transports from the lungs to the other body parts.
5. Oxygen binds to the heme group forming oxyhemoglobin and thus oxygenates the blood.
6. Similarly, carbon dioxide binds to carbon dioxide to form carboxyhemoglobin that is transported away from the heart and is expired out of the lungs.
7. Thus, hemoglobin is very important for respiration to take place.