Name the protein that helps in the transport of oxygen in the blood.

Study for the NEET Biology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions enriched with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood. It is found in red blood cells and consists of four polypeptide chains, each containing a heme group that can bind to oxygen. When blood passes through the lungs, hemoglobin binds to oxygen molecules, forming oxyhemoglobin. This highly efficient mechanism allows hemoglobin to pick up oxygen where it is abundant and release it where it is needed, such as in tissues where oxygen levels are lower.

In addition to transporting oxygen, hemoglobin also plays a role in transporting carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, from tissues back to the lungs. The ability to carry both oxygen and carbon dioxide is crucial for maintaining the body's pH balance and supporting cellular respiration.

While albumin primarily functions as a carrier protein for various substances in the blood, myoglobin is more specialized for oxygen storage in muscle tissues rather than transport. Globulins are a group of proteins involved in immune functions and transport but do not specifically serve the primary role of oxygen transport that hemoglobin does. Thus, the unique structure and function of hemoglobin make it the key protein for oxygen transport in the blood.

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