Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells whose primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body. It binds oxygen in the lungs, forming oxyhemoglobin, and releases it to cells where it is needed for aerobic respiration, which powers metabolism
. In addition to oxygen transport, hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, from the tissues back to the lungs, where it is exhaled. This makes hemoglobin a two-way respiratory carrier, facilitating the exchange of gases essential for life
. Hemoglobin contains iron within its heme groups, which is critical for its oxygen-binding capacity. It also helps maintain oxygen concentration in the blood and acts as a buffer for ions. The iron in hemoglobin gives red blood cells their characteristic red color
. In summary, the main functions of hemoglobin are:
- Transport oxygen from lungs to body tissues
- Carry carbon dioxide from tissues back to lungs
- Help regulate blood pH and ion balance
These functions are vital for sustaining cellular respiration and overall physiological function
