How is oxygen and carbon dioxide transported in human beings
Answers
Respiration is the process through which living organisms take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide to release energy. So, naturally, respiration is a major and vital process of gas exchange. The transport of gases during respiration, both oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried out by the blood cells.
The transportation of gases is a very efficient process. Let us now see how oxygen and carbon dioxide is transported in the human body.
Transport of Oxygen
Haemoglobin transports oxygen molecule to all the body cells for cellular respiration. The haemoglobin pigment present in the blood gets attached to O2 molecules that are obtained from breathing and thus forms oxyhaemoglobin. This oxygenated blood is then distributed to all the body cells by the heart. After giving away O2 to the body cells, blood takes away CO2 which is the end product of cellular respiration and blood becomes de-oxygenated.
Transport of carbon dioxide
Since haemoglobin pigment has less affinity for CO2, CO2 is mainly transported in the dissolved form. This deoxygenated blood gives CO2 to lung alveoli and takes O2 in return.