What is the job of hemoglobin in the blood?

1 Answer
Jun 7, 2017

The primary purpose of haemoglobin in blood is that of oxygen-carrier for metabolism and energy in the body.

Explanation:

Haemoglobin, a critical component of erythrocytes (red blood cells), is a vital factor in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body for metabolism, cell repair, and energy production.

An iron-containing molecule, it also gives blood its characteristic red colour.

In the lungs, oxygen-transfer takes place in the alveoli with diffusion of oxygen through the thin walls of the alveoli into the surrounding capillaries . The oxygen thus transfused binds to the haemoglobin in the blood to form oxy-haemoglobin. Each molecule of haemoglobin can bind with four molecules of oxygen.

This oxygenated blood is then pumped to all parts of the body where the oxy-haemoglobin releases the oxygen to the tissues.