What is the main function of red blood cells in the blood?
A) To transport CO₂ to the liver
B) To clot the blood
C) To regulate body temperature
D) To fight infections
E) To transport oxygen to the tissues
IMAT 2026 · Question 10
Q10 - Haemoglobin and gas transport
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The correct answer is E) To transport oxygen to the tissues.
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are packed with haemoglobin, a protein that binds O₂ in the lungs, where oxygen is abundant, and releases it in the tissues, where oxygen is scarce. They have no nucleus or mitochondria, which leaves more room for haemoglobin.
A) Incorrect: CO₂ is carried to the lungs to be exhaled, not to the liver. Most of it travels dissolved in plasma as bicarbonate.
B) Incorrect: Clotting depends on platelets and clotting factors, not red blood cells.
C) Incorrect: Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus, through sweating, shivering and changes in skin blood flow.
D) Incorrect: Fighting infections is the job of white blood cells (leukocytes).
E) Correct: Transporting O₂ bound to haemoglobin is their main function.
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