Explain how oxygen is transported from the alveoli of the lungs to the body cells.
Answer
Oxygen diffuses from alveoli into blood plasma, binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, is carried through the circulatory system, and is released to cells where it diffuses across capillary walls.
Step-by-step solution
- State that oxygen enters the bloodstream by diffusion across the alveolar membrane.
- Explain that most oxygen binds reversibly to haemoglobin molecules inside red blood cells.
- Mention that the oxygen‑rich blood is pumped by the heart through arteries to all body tissues.
- Describe that at the capillaries, oxygen is released from haemoglobin and diffuses into cells because of a concentration gradient.
Common mistake: Mentioning only diffusion and ignoring haemoglobin binding
Concept tested: Oxygen transport in blood
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