2006-07-12 06:34:15 · 2 answers · asked by prabhjeet b 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin and each hemoglobin molecule contains four iron atoms. The iron in hemoglobin binds oxygen when it passes through blood vessels in the lungs and releases it in the tissues. After releasing the oxygen, hemoglobin binds carbon dioxide, the waste product of respiration, and carries it back to the lungs to be released. Red blood cells and the iron they contain, are recycled and replaced every 120 days. Another iron-containing molecule, myoglobin, carries and stores oxygen in the cells and is therefore essential for cellular activities in all body tissues.
2006-07-12 06:40:47 · answer #1 · answered by rjfan1979 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes--that's what gives it the reddish color when it binds with oxygen.
2006-07-12 13:39:00 · answer #2 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋