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What is hemoglobin's primary function?
To store blood in the body
To transport carbon dioxide out of the body
To carry oxygen in red blood cells
To maintain pH balance in the blood
The correct answer is: To carry oxygen in red blood cells
Hemoglobin's primary function is to carry oxygen in red blood cells. This protein, found within red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and then transports it to tissues throughout the body. The structure of hemoglobin, which includes iron, allows it to easily pick up oxygen molecules and release them where they are needed for cellular respiration and energy production. Understanding this role is critical for comprehending various physiological processes, as oxygen is essential for the survival of cells and overall body function. The processes of oxygen transport and delivery are vital to the maintenance of energy levels and metabolic functions throughout the body's systems.