Explore the question in detail with explanation, related questions, and community discussions.
Some animals have blue blood instead of the red blood found in humans. This is because their blood uses hemocyanin to carry oxygen, rather than hemoglobin. Hemocyanin contains copper ions which turn blue when oxygenated.
Snails: Many marine and terrestrial snails have hemocyanin in their circulatory system.
Octopus: Octopuses, being mollusks, rely on hemocyanin for oxygen transport, especially in cold, low-oxygen water.
Spiders: Many arthropods, including spiders, have blue blood due to hemocyanin.
Copper in hemocyanin binds oxygen, forming a blue-colored complex.
Hemocyanin is less efficient than hemoglobin but works well in low-temperature or low-oxygen environments.
These animals often have open circulatory systems (invertebrates) or modified circulatory systems adapted to their environment.
| Feature | Hemoglobin (Red Blood) | Hemocyanin (Blue Blood) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal in protein | Iron | Copper |
| Color when oxygenated | Red | Blue |
| Found in | Vertebrates | Mollusks, Arthropods |
| Efficiency | High | Moderate, adapted to environment |
Understanding blue-blooded animals helps in comparative physiology, evolutionary biology, and marine biology. For example, hemocyanin is studied for antimicrobial properties and adaptation mechanisms.
Blue blood = hemocyanin-containing blood
Found in snails, octopuses, spiders
Copper binds oxygen, giving blue color
Adaptation to low oxygen or cold environments
👉 Correct Answer: Option 4 – All of above
Discussion
Leave a Comment