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Hemoglobin is a vital protein molecule found in red blood cells (RBCs) that performs one of the most essential functions in the human body: transporting oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Hemoglobin consists of four protein chains (globin), each containing an iron-rich heme group. The iron atom in heme binds easily to oxygen molecules in the lungs, forming oxyhemoglobin. As blood travels through the body, hemoglobin releases oxygen to tissues and cells, which need it to produce energy through cellular respiration. Hemoglobin then binds to carbon dioxide (a waste product) and carries it back to the lungs for removal.
Functions of hemoglobin:
Oxygen transport: Delivers oxygen efficiently from lungs to cells.
Carbon dioxide transport: Helps in returning carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Maintaining blood pH: Acts as a buffer to keep blood slightly alkaline.
Explanation of incorrect options:
Destruction of bacteria: This is mainly done by white blood cells, not hemoglobin.
Prevention of anemia: Hemoglobin deficiency causes anemia, but it does not prevent it on its own.
Utilization of energy: Oxygen is required for energy production, but hemoglobin itself doesn’t generate energy.
Normal hemoglobin levels are crucial for good health. Low hemoglobin results in anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty in oxygen supply to organs. High hemoglobin levels can also cause health issues like thickened blood.
In conclusion, the primary function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen throughout the body, making option A (Transportation of oxygen) the correct answer.
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