As blood circulates through the lungs, oxygen diffuses into the blood and into red blood cells, where it combines with hemoglobin to form _______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen combines with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin, which is then transported to the body's tissues. Choice A, erythropoietin, is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Choice B, carboxyhemoglobin, is a form of hemoglobin that is bound to carbon monoxide instead of oxygen, which can be toxic. Choice C, prothrombin, is a protein involved in blood clotting, but not in the transport of oxygen.

As Blood Circulates Through the Lungs, Oxygen Diffuses into the Blood