A major percentage (97%) of `O_(2)` is transported by RBCs in the blood. How does the remaining percentage (3%) of `O_(2)` transported?

Options

A. 3 percent
B. 97 percent
C. 70 percent
D. 7 percent

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Oxygen Transport:** Oxygen is transported in the blood in two main forms: one is bound to hemoglobin within red blood cells (RBCs), and the other is dissolved in the plasma.

2. **Percentage of Oxygen Transported by Hemoglobin:** Approximately 97% of oxygen is transported by binding to hemoglobin in the RBCs. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that has a high affinity for oxygen, allowing it to carry large amounts of oxygen efficiently.

3. **Percentage of Oxygen Dissolved in Plasma:** The remaining 3% of oxygen is transported in a dissolved form. This means that a small amount of oxygen is present in the blood plasma and the water content of the RBCs.

4. **Reason for Low Percentage of Dissolved Oxygen:** The reason only a small percentage of oxygen (3%) is dissolved in plasma is due to the low solubility of oxygen in water. Oxygen does not dissolve well in liquid, which is why most of it is carried by hemoglobin.

5. **Conclusion:** Therefore, the remaining 3% of oxygen is transported dissolved in the plasma and the water of red blood cells, while 97% is carried by hemoglobin.

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