Concept:
Red blood cells (RBCs), also called
erythrocytes, are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body.
RBCs contain a protein called
hemoglobin, which binds with oxygen molecules and carries them through the bloodstream.
Step 1: Understand the oxygen transport mechanism.
Hemoglobin in red blood cells combines with oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to body tissues where it is required for cellular respiration.
Step 2: Eliminate other options.
- White blood cells help fight infections.
- Platelets are involved in blood clotting.
- Plasma is the liquid component of blood.
Thus, the blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen are
red blood cells.