Electrolysis Practice Exam

What major component of blood is primarily responsible for carrying carbon dioxide?

1. Red blood cells

2. White blood cells

3. Platelets

4. Plasma

The correct answer is: Red blood cells

Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to carbon dioxide and facilitates its transport from the tissues back to the lungs. While some carbon dioxide is dissolved in plasma or transported in different forms, the majority is carried by red blood cells, where it forms bicarbonate ions after a reaction with water. Other components of the blood, such as white blood cells, primarily serve immune functions and do not play a significant role in gas transport. Platelets are involved in clotting and hemostasis, while plasma, although it carries some dissolved carbon dioxide, is not the main carrier. Therefore, the crucial role of red blood cells in transporting carbon dioxide makes them the correct answer to this question.